POET appoints new Chief Operating Officer
POET Technologies has announced the appointment of Subhash Deshmukh as COO of the company. Deshmukh, who was previously a vice president at Applied Materials, will commence his new position in June 2015.
"I see tremendous potential with POET Technology's innovative approach to combining silicon based ICs with III-V materials based optical components on the same chip that could revolutionise 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," said Deshmukh.
Peter 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."
Most recently, Deshmukh has been vice president of emerging technologies and products at Applied Materials. Prior to this 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 (acquired by Applied Materials in November 2011).
Before moving to Varian, 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. Deshmukh holds a PhD in chemical sciences, has written and co-authored over 55 technical articles and has been granted over 27 patents, with several patents pending.
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. 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."
