Wolfspeed, Inc. today announced that David Emerson, Ph.D. has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a newly created role responsible for overseeing operational excellence across the Company’s 200-millimeter facility footprint, reducing customer lead times, and manufacturing leading silicon carbide solutions for Wolfspeed’s customers. Dr. Emerson will be responsible for Wolfspeed’s Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality divisions.
As the former Executive Vice President of our LED Products division, Dr. Emerson brings a proven track record of transforming complex, global operations into scaled and high-performing businesses that are positioned to win in emerging technologies. Notably, during his time at Wolfspeed (then operating as Cree, Inc.), Dr. Emerson gained an in-depth understanding of both the devices and materials businesses and helped guide the company through a period of heightened U.S. government scrutiny on global trade practices and fair competition.
Wolfspeed Chief Executive Officer, Robert Feurle, commented, “We are excited to welcome Dave back to Wolfspeed as our new Chief Operating Officer. Having previously led our LED business through market disruption and global expansion, Dave brings a wealth of industry expertise and strategic insight which positions him well to drive operational excellence at Wolfspeed. His ability to directly confront complex challenges aligns with our ambitions at this critical stage in Wolfspeed’s lifecycle. I look forward to collaborating with him as we work to reaccelerate revenue growth, work to achieve profitability, complete our 200-millimeter transition, and ultimately advance Wolfspeed’s global leadership in silicon carbide technology.”
“After spending a sizable portion of my career at Cree overseeing the development of silicon carbide-powered LED solutions, I am eager to contribute to Wolfspeed’s forward momentum as its new Chief Operating Officer. I am impressed by the Company’s sustained leadership in silicon carbide and its vertically integrated, greenfield 200-millimeter facility footprint,” said Dr. Emerson. “Under Robert’s leadership, Wolfspeed is increasingly focused on serving the fastest-growing areas of the silicon carbide market, and these strategic verticals necessitate high-performance, high-quality solutions. My experience driving operational excellence has equipped me with the skills to help develop best-in-class solutions for our blue-chip customers, all while working to accelerate the Company’s path to profitability. I’m excited for the opportunity to help shape the Company’s continued growth and success.”
The addition of the Chief Operating Officer role to the executive leadership team underscores Wolfspeed’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence as it scales its industry-leading 200 mm silicon carbide manufacturing platform. The Chief Operating Officer will play a critical role in driving manufacturing quality and efficiency. In this role, Dr. Emerson will also be responsible for accelerating time-to-market and ensuring consistent delivery of innovative, high-performance silicon carbide solutions to customers worldwide. As Wolfspeed continues to expand capacity to serve the expected growth in demand across automotive, industrial, and energy markets, this role is central to enhancing operational agility and achieving growth.
About Wolfspeed, Inc.
Wolfspeed (NYSE: WOLF) leads the market in the worldwide adoption of silicon carbide technologies that power the world’s most disruptive innovations. As the pioneers of silicon carbide, and creators of the most advanced semiconductor technology on earth, we are committed to powering a better world for everyone. Through silicon carbide material, Power Modules, Discrete Power Devices and Power Die Products targeted for various applications, we will bring you The Power to Make It Real.™
