Canadian Solar appoints new CFO

Canadian Solar Inc, a publicly traded company that manufactures solar PV modules and photovoltaic solar power systems, has announced the appointment of Dr. Huifeng Chang, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective May 22, 2016.

Dr. Chang, who joined Canadian Solar in early 2016 as Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Finance, brings 17 years of capital markets, corporate finance, investment and risk management experience to the company.

Before joining Canadian Solar, Dr. Chang was Co-Head of Sales and Trading at the U.S. subsidiary of China International Capital Corporation. Prior to that, he was the CEO of CSOP Asset Management Limited based in Hong Kong. From 2000 to 2008, he was Vice President and an equity proprietary trader at Citigroup Equity Proprietary Investments in New York. Before moving to Wall Street, Dr. Chang worked at Kamakura Corporation in Hawaii as a risk consultant to banks in Asia.

Michael G. Potter, currently Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has decided to leave the company to pursue other interests but has agreed to serve in an advisory role to support the seamless transition of the senior finance function in the company.

Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer remarked:

"We are pleased to announce that Huifeng will take on the role of CFO at Canadian Solar. Huifeng brings with him many years of valuable experience in capital markets and risk management in a global context. Meanwhile, we are indebted to Michael for his years of service in which Canadian Solar has transformed itself from a solar module manufacturing and sales company to a vertically integrated global leader in the solar industry.  Michael has made important contributions to the development of Canadian Solar in his nine years with us, both in his five years as CFO and before that as an independent director of the company. I personally will miss his advice but I am happy that he will be available to consult with should we need it. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

Dr. Chang commented:

"I would like to thank Shawn and the Board of Directors of the company for the confidence that they have placed in me with this appointment. I would also like to thank Michael for agreeing to provide transitional advice and support. I look forward to working with the Board and the Canadian Solar Senior Management and Finance teams to create lasting value for our shareholders."

Mr. Michael G. Potter commented:

"I am grateful for the opportunity that Shawn, the Board of Directors and the shareholders have given me in the past nine years to help build Canadian Solar into one of the most profitable and healthy solar companies in the world, and to transform one of largest module manufacturers into a global leader in project development as well. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far with even better to come.  I worked closely with Huifeng, even before he joined the company, and am confident that he will help take the company to new heights.  I would like to thank our global Finance and Legal teams who have worked so hard and well for me over the past five years and I wish them the best of luck."