Shi will remain a director of Suntech, where he was also chief executive until last August before stepping aside in favour of current CEO David King.

Wang worked for contract manufacturing group Solectron – subsequently bought by Felxtronics – for almost 20 years until 2002 as executive vice president of corporate development and chief financial officer.

Wang said: "Suntech's board and management team are focused on resolving critical capital structure initiatives and charting Suntech's path forward as a leading supplier of solar products."

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