Company that plans to build solar production facility in Albuquerque names new CEO

The company that plans to build a massive solar cell and panel facility at Albuquerque’s Mesa del Sol has a new CEO.

Maxeon Solar Technologies has named George Guo as its new chief executive. The company’s former CEO, Bill Mulligan, will remain with the company through January 2025, helping “aid the leadership transition,” according to a Maxeon news release from this month.

The change in CEOs comes as Maxeon plans to build a massive facility, about 1.9 million square feet, which it says is the nation’s first new U.S. domestic factory for solar cells and panels in over a decade.

The facility is expected to employ roughly 1,800 workers, and the company could invest up to $2.4 billion over the next two decades in building it out. A spokesperson in late July told the Journal that Maxeon is planning for a fourth quarter construction start on the facility, with production to begin in 2026. The spokesperson this month confirmed the company is still adhering to that timeline

In appointing Guo, the company will have a new face leading its operations and planning the future for Maxeon in New Mexico.

Guo, who also joined Maxeon's board of directors on Oct. 11, brings nearly 40 years of experience “and an exceptional track record” in technology leadership, according to the Maxeon news release. That includes leadership roles with IBM’s Santa Teresa Lab, as chief technology officer and head of research and development with China-based Zhaodaola Internet and in executive roles — including six years as CEO — at TCL Communication.

The company spokesperson, Forrest Monroy, told the Journal Guo holds master’s degrees in bioengineering and engineering from Columbia University and Stanford University, respectively. He also has a doctorate in management science and engineering from Stanford.

Monroy added that Mulligan’s “decision to retire was one that he arrived at on his own, after much consideration.”

“He turns 65 this spring and he felt this was the right time for both himself and the company,” Monroy.

Guo in a statement said he is “excited to join Maxeon at this inflection point for the company and the industry."

He said there is “tremendous opportunity to capitalize on the accelerating global transition to renewable energy, even as many companies including Maxeon are challenged to overcome near-term pressure on revenue and profitability.

“Our advantages include world-leading technology and products that span utility-scale, commercial and residential markets, a deep patent portfolio and key strategic partnerships,” Guo added. “By improving our efficiency, reducing costs and providing an optimal combination of performance, reliability and value in our solar products, I intend for Maxeon to be the partner of choice for solar solutions going forward and come through this current downturn in a strong position.”