News: Microelectronics
23 May 2025
Wolfspeed re-hires former LED Products division head David Emerson as chief operating officer
Wolfspeed Inc of Durham, NC, USA — which makes silicon carbide (SiC) materials and power semiconductor devices — has appointed David Emerson Ph.D. as executive VP & chief operating officer, a newly created role responsible for overseeing operational excellence across the firm’s 200mm facility footprint, reducing customer lead times, and manufacturing leading silicon carbide solutions for Wolfspeed’s customers. Emerson will be responsible for Wolfspeed’s Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality divisions.
As the former executive VP of the LED Products division, Emerson has a track record of transforming complex, global operations into scaled and high-performing businesses in emerging technologies. During his time at Wolfspeed (then operating as Cree Inc), Emerson gained an in-depth understanding of both the devices and materials businesses and helped guide the company through a period of heightened US government scrutiny on global trade practices and fair competition.
“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,” comments CEO Robert Feurle. “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 200mm transition, and ultimately advance Wolfspeed’s global leadership in silicon carbide technology,” he adds.
“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,” says Emerson. “I am impressed by the company’s sustained leadership in silicon carbide and its vertically integrated, greenfield 200mm facility footprint,” he adds. “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.”
Wolfspeed says that the addition of the chief operating officer role to the executive leadership team underscores its commitment to operational excellence as it scales its 200mm silicon carbide manufacturing platform. The chief operating officer will play a critical role in driving manufacturing quality and efficiency. In this role, 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, the role is central to enhancing operational agility and achieving growth, the firm reckons.
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