Albemarle Appoints Ex-Deloitte Audit Partner and First Solar CEO to Board
Albemarle appointed Michelle Collins, former Deloitte Vice Chair and Senior Audit Partner, to its Audit & Finance and Governance & Public Policy Committees, effective February 26, 2026. It also named Mark R. Widmar, First Solar CEO and former GrafTech CFO, to Executive Compensation & Talent Development and Sustainability Committees.
1. Board Appointments Overview
Effective February 26, 2026, Albemarle’s Board of Directors expanded with the additions of Michelle T. Collins and Mark R. Widmar as part of its regular succession planning to bolster financial oversight and strategic governance.
2. Michelle T. Collins Profile
Collins brings over 40 years of audit and advisory experience, having served as Vice Chair, Senior Audit Partner and National Automotive Sector Leader at Deloitte & Touche. She will serve on Albemarle’s Audit & Finance Committee and Governance & Public Policy Committee.
3. Mark R. Widmar Profile
Widmar has led First Solar as CEO since 2016 and previously held CFO roles at GrafTech. His board roles at Albemarle include the Executive Compensation & Talent Development Committee and the Sustainability Committee, reflecting his expertise in operations and capital management.
4. Governance and Strategic Impact
These appointments strengthen Albemarle’s oversight capabilities with seasoned financial leadership and global operations experience. Enhanced committee membership aims to support long-term value creation through rigorous audit practices, compensation alignment and sustainability oversight.