News: Microelectronics
7 July 2025
Wolfspeed appoints former NXP and ams OSRAM executive Gregor van Issum as CFO
Following a comprehensive review of internal and external candidates, Wolfspeed Inc of Durham, NC, USA — which makes silicon carbide (SiC) materials and power semiconductor devices — has appointed Gregor van Issum as chief financial officer (CFO), effective 1 September. He succeeds interim CFO Kevin Speirits, who will remain with Wolfspeed to support the firm and ensure a smooth transition. van Issum will be relocating to North Carolina and be based in Durham, reporting to CEO Robert Feurle.
van Issum has more than 20 years of experience in transformational restructuring and strategic financing positions across the technology industry. Through senior roles at semiconductor manufacturers ams OSRAM AG and NXP Semiconductors N.V., he gained an understanding of how to lead organizations through dynamic business cycles, says Wolfspeed. Most recently, van Issum served as executive VP, group controller at ams OSRAM, where he was involved in driving the financial performance of the multi-billion-Euro revenue company. He also led ams OSRAM’s cost-savings programs and sales initiatives in his dual role as chief transformation & performance officer.
“I witnessed Gregor’s strong analytical and leadership skills firsthand during our time working together at ams OSRAM,” comments Feurle. “Gregor has helped lead large, multi-billion-euro businesses with complex manufacturing operations, which will be invaluable to Wolfspeed as we unlock the potential of our purpose-built 200mm platform,” he adds. “The board and I look forward to collaborating with Gregor as we position Wolfspeed for long-term growth and profitability.”
van Issum gained merger and acquisition (M&A) and IT experience at ams OSRAM, where he was responsible for executing and delivering on the business targets for the transactions and managing the strategic direction of the company’s systems. He was previously VP, strategy of NXP Semiconductors’ Secure Transactions and Identification Solutions segment and served as CFO of the Secure Identification Solutions and Analog Mixed Signal units.
“My priority will be providing Wolfspeed’s investors with transparency and clarity, especially during this transformative period,” says van Issum. “Building on recent steps to restructure Wolfspeed’s balance sheet, I will draw on my experience navigating complex business cycles to help create a capital structure that offers agility to respond to rapid shifts in the market,” he adds. “My background in transformation and restructuring also positions me to support Wolfspeed’s strategic focus on improving profitability. At this pivotal time in the company’s life-cycle, I am honored to help guide Wolfspeed as it leverages its competitive advantages —world-class facilities, exceptional talent, and robust intellectual property — to advance the incredible progress that Robert and the Wolfspeed team have made in recent months and solidify its leadership in silicon carbide technology.”
van Issum’s appointment follows the addition of Dr David Emerson, who joined Wolfspeed in May in the newly created role of chief operating officer. With a refreshed leadership team, Wolfspeed reckons that it is well positioned to navigate near-term market dynamics and seize opportunities to expand its leadership in silicon carbide technologies.
Wolfspeed files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as part of financial restructuring
