POET Technologies {TSX.V: PTK – OTCQX: POETF} have recently announced two new directors, and then, more recently, a new COO.
In all three cases there is considerable industry experience and achievement with major companies, and suggests POET is lining up the ducks as it progresses towards its stated objectives.
Comment
The success of any company ultimately comes down to management quality and experience. As the old saying goes,good management can make a good job of a bad project, whereas bad management will never be able to run a good project well.
.It is interesting to read the CV’s of the new directors and COO, and realise the wealth of experience they bring to POET.
Two of the trio come from Applied Materials {NASDAQ: AMAT} which is currently a $24 BILLION company. at the forefront of semi conductor technology.
For directors with this background and such a wealth of experience to have joined POET suggests they see huge potential here, and adds credibility to an already strong story in my opinion.
Rather sad to see Stephane Gagnon leaving, he impressed the investors here in London when he presented .and afterwards in the networking. It’s good to see he is remaining for the transition.
Recent news releases have announced the following changes to POET management.
On April 27th 2017 POET announced the appointment of Dr. Subhash Deshmukh as COO of the Company. Dr. Deshmukh will commence his new position on June 8, 2015 to enable him to complete his duties for his current employer..
Most recently, Dr. Deshmukh has been Vice President of Emerging Technologies and Products at Applied Materials, Inc. {Nasdaq: AMAT}.
Prior to rejoining Applied Materials, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Plasma Products Business Unit as well as Vice President of Business Development for Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates Inc. (Nasdaq: VSEA). Varian Semiconductor was acquired by Applied Materials in November 2011. Before moving to Varian Semiconductor, Dr. Deshmukh served as General Manager of the Dielectric Etch Products Division of Applied Materials. He previously served in a number of executive and management positions with increasing responsibility at Applied Materials, Lam Research, and AMI Semiconductors. Dr. Deshmukh holds a PhD in Chemical Sciences, has authored and co-authored over 55 technical articles and has been granted over 27 patents, with several patents pending.
In making the announcement, Mr. Copetti, interim CEO and Executive Co-Chairman commented: “We are very pleased to have Subhash join the Company due to his proven track record in leading technology companies, both in technology development and strategies to create sustainable revenues. Subhash’s appointment marks another crucial step in the Company’s succession plan as it moves towards monetising the POET process”.
Dr. Deshmukh commented: “I see tremendous potential with POET Technology’s innovative approach to combining Si based IC’s with III-V materials based optical components on the same chip that could revolutionize the mobility, telecommunications/networking, large data management, and other technology sectors. I am very excited to be part of the team to drive this innovation into the market”.
Stephane Gagnon, who has been serving as COO, has agreed to stay on and help the Company through a period of transition in senior management. Mr. Copetti added: “I would like to thank Stephane for his hard work and tireless efforts during the time he served as COO of the Company. Stephane was a key member in laying the foundation for the Company’s current direction”.
Dr. Deshmukh was granted 1,500,000 options to purchase common shares of the Company.
Two new directors were added earlier in the month, both of whom have strong CV’s and years of experience and achievement in the technology field.
Todd A. DeBonis is a veteran semiconductor executive with over 27 years of expertise in sales, marketing and corporate development. For the last decade, Mr. DeBonis was the Vice President of Global Sales and Strategic Development at TriQuint Semiconductor.
During his tenure TriQuint experienced dramatic growth and recognition in the industry as the technology leader in RF solutions. Mr. DeBonis played an integral part in the recent merger with RFMD and subsequent creation of Qorvo, Inc.
Mr. DeBonis previously held the position of Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Centillium Communications, as the Vice President, Worldwide Sales for Ishoni Networks and Vice President, Sales & Marketing for the Communications Division of Infineon Technologies North America.
Mr. DeBonis has a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nevada.
David E. Lazovsky is the founder of Intermolecular (NASDAQ: IMI) and served as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the board of directors from September 2004 to October 2014.
Mr. Lazovsky has an in‐depth knowledge of the semiconductor industry, technology and markets. Mr. Lazovsky raised significant amounts of venture capital and other strategic private investments in Intermolecular’s initial public offering. Prior to founding Intermolecular, Mr. Lazovsky held several senior management positions at Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT).
From 1996 through August 2004, Mr. Lazovsky held management positions in the Metal Deposition and Thin Films Product Business Group where he was responsible for managing more than $1 billion in Applied Materials’ semiconductor manufacturing equipment business.
From 2003 until 2004, Mr. Lazovsky managed key strategic accounts in Business Management where he worked closely with leading integrated circuit manufacturers to ensure Applied Materials was developing and providing cutting‐edge technology solutions.
From 2002 until 2003, Mr. Lazovsky served as the Technology Program Manager for the Endura 2 Platform, Applied Materials’ flagship 300mm metal deposition platform.
From 2000 until 2002, Mr. Lazovsky was based in Grenoble, France and served as Director of Business Management for the European region in the Metal Deposition Product Business Group. Previously, Mr. Lazovsky served as a Business Manager from 1997 to 2000, Account Product Manager from 1995 to 1997.
Mr. Lazovsky holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Ohio University and, as of March 31, 2014, held 41 pending or issued U.S. patents.
Both Messrs. Lazovsky and DeBonis are residents and industry players in the Silicon Valley.
The Company expects they will play a key role in helping the Company position itself in this critical heart of the semiconductor ecosphere which is an important part of the focus of the Company’s future development plans.