News: Microelectronics
26 January 2021
Cree appoints former GM executive to board
Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA (which makes LEDs and silicon carbide- and gallium nitride-based RF & power semiconductors) has appointed Marvin A. Riley to its board of directors.
Riley is president & CEO of EnPro (an industrial technology company using materials science in the semiconductor, life sciences, and other technology-enabled sectors), a position has has held since July 2019. He was previously executive VP & chief operating officer from July 2017. He has also served in various leadership positions including president of the firm’s Fairbanks Morse division; VP of its corporate manufacturing function; and VP of global operations for its GGB division.
Picture: Cree’s new board member Marvin A. Riley.
Prior to EnPro, Riley was an executive with General Motors Corp, working in the General Motors Vehicle Manufacturing Group where he held multiple positions of increasing responsibility from 1997 to 2007. His experience at GM includes leadership positions in general assembly, body operations, dimensional control, plant maintenance and supporting multiple vehicle launches. He also credits his deep understanding of lean manufacturing to his time at GM.
“Marvin’s extensive experience in the global manufacturing and automotive sectors will be a unique asset for the company as we work with the executive team to capitalize on the vast opportunities ahead for Cree’s silicon carbide in a variety of high-growth automotive and industrial applications,” believes chairman Darren Jackson. “We look forward to his contributions as we continue our long-term plans to lead the global transition from silicon to silicon carbide and expand the company’s leadership position.”
Cree is focusing on its Wolfspeed silicon carbide materials and silicon carbide (SiC) power device & gallium nitride (GaN) RF device business, whose product families include silicon carbide materials, power-switching devices and RF devices targeted at applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), fast-charging inverters, power supplies, telecom and military and aerospace.
Previously, in May 2019, Cree sold its Lighting Products business unit (Cree Lighting, including the LED lighting fixtures, lamps and corporate lighting solutions business for commercial, industrial and consumer applications) to Ideal Industries Inc of Sycamore, IL, USA. Most recently, in October 2020, Cree agreed the sale of its LED Products business unit (Cree LED) to SMART Global Holdings Inc, for which the transaction is targeted to close in this quarter.
Riley replaces Anne Whitaker, who is leaving the board to focus on her board duties at other life sciences companies. She has served on the board since 2013, helping guide the firm with her extensive executive leadership experience. “
Cree selling LED business to SMART for up to $300m
