5 December 2013

Emcore announces changes to board

Emcore Corp of Albuquerque, NM, USA, which makes compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber-optic and solar power markets, says that Dr Thomas Russell has decided to not stand for re-election to the board at the end of his term, which expires at the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Separately, John Gillen will retire at the meeting.

Also, chairman Reuben F. Richards has been re-appointed to the board’s Class C directors. He was formerly a Class A director. He also informed the firm that he will not stand for re-election at the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and that he will step down as chairman at the 2014 meeting but will remain chairman emeritus until the 2015 meeting, at which time he will step down from the board.

Russell acquired Emcore’s majority interest and served as chairman in 1995. The firm became a public company in 1997. Emcore says that Russell has been instrumental in providing strategic and corporate governance, which allowed it to transform from a single-product start-up – making metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) systems - to a leading firm in compound semiconductor technology and applications, citing in particular Russell's interest in advanced solar cell technology. He became chairman emeritus in 2008, and is currently chairman of the board’s Nominating Committee and also its Strategy and Technology Committee.

Gillen was appointed to the board in 2003. He is currently chairman of the board’s Compensation Committee and also is a member of its Audit Committee.

“Both men have been instrumental in Emcore’s transformation and have made significant contributions to the company's strategic direction and governance over the years,” comments president & CEO Dr.Hou.

Emcore appoints Steven R. Becker, Stephen Domenik and Gerald Fine to board

Emcore has reached a settlement agreement with Becker Drapkin Management L.P. and its affiliated funds whereby Steven R. Becker, Stephen Domenik and Gerald Fine have been appointed to its board of directors, effective 9 December.

Becker has been a partner at Becker Drapkin Management since 2004. He currently serves on the board of national close-out retailer Tuesday Morning, semiconductor firm Pixelworks Inc and Special Diversified Opportunities. He previously served on the board of Plato Learning Inc (a provider of education services and training), Ruby Tuesday Inc (the operator of a chain of casual dining restaurants), and Hot Topic Inc (a national retailer).

Domenik has been a general partner with venture capital firm Sevin Rosen Funds since 1995. In June 2012, he was appointed to the board of MoSys Inc (a publicly traded IP-rich fabless semiconductor company) and currently sits on the boards of various private companies. Domenik previously served on the board of publicly traded fabless semiconductor company NetLogic Microsystems Inc from January 2001 until it was acquired by Broadcom Corp in February 2012. During his tenure at Sevin Rosen Funds, he led numerous investments in private companies.

Fine has been a Professor of Practice and Director at the Engineering Innovation Center of Boston University since 2012. From 2008 to 2011, he was president & CEO of Schott North America and led operations of all Schott AG businesses in North America, including solar, pharmaceutical packaging, electronic packaging, and lighting and imaging and advanced materials. Fine also served as executive VP, Photonic Technologies for Corning Inc. He previously served on the board of directors of CyOptics Inc (a semiconductor laser manufacturer for telecom applications), Crystal IS Inc (a UV LED substrate manufacturer), Kotura Inc (a provider of silicon components for datacoms and telecoms), and Pixtronix Inc (a provider of low-cost displays for portable devices).

Tags: Emcore

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