Cree announces changes to board of directors

Cree Inc of Durham, NC, USA (which makes lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting and power semiconductors) has announced changes to its board of directors (effective following its 2018 annual meeting of shareholders):

John C. Hodge and Duy-Loan T. Le have been elected to the board;
Darren R. Jackson was appointed as chairman by the board; and
Robert A. Ingram and C. Howard Nye retired from their positions on the board, upon expiration of their terms.

Hodge and Le will “assist the leadership in shaping our vision to create a world-class semiconductor company,” says Darren Jackson, newly appointed chairman of the board. “Their breadth of industry experience will be invaluable as we drive market expansion for silicon carbide (SiC)- and gallium nitride (GaN)-based innovations focused on a variety of applications across diverse sectors such as automotive, telecommunications and energy,” he adds. “We would also like to thank Mr Ingram and Mr Nye for their dedication and service over their tenures on the board.”

Hodge has experience in private equity, corporate finance and merger & acquisition transactions, in addition to over 25 years as an investor and advisor to the global semiconductor and technology industry. He also has extensive experience as a director of semiconductor companies, including Silicon Image Inc from 2007 to 2014 and Freescale Semiconductor Ltd from 2008 to 2011. Hodge is currently a founding partner of private-equity firm Rubicon Technology Partners, which he founded in 2012. Previously, he was a senior advisor and senior managing director with private equity firm Blackstone Group from 2006 to 2011.

Le has 33 years of experience in semiconductors, specifically in chip design, silicon manufacturing technology development and advanced technology manufacturing from concept to high-volume production. She also has an extensive understanding of global business including managing R&D centers, joint ventures, foundries and partnerships. Le retired from Texas Instruments Inc in July 2017, most recently holding the title of senior fellow since 2002. During her 33-year career at Texas Instruments, Le held leadership positions including advanced technology ramp manager for the embedded processing division and worldwide project manager for the memory division. She is currently a member of the board of directors of Ballard Power Systems and National Instruments Corp.

Jackson joined Cree’s board in May 2016. From July 2004 to January 2016 he served on the board of Advance Auto Parts Inc and as its CEO from January 2008 to January 2016. Jackson also served as president of Advance Auto Parts Inc from January 2008 to January 2009 and from January 2012 to April 2013. Previously, he had executive positions with Best Buy Co Inc and Nordstrom Inc. Jackson has also served as a director of Fastenal Company (which sells industrial and construction supplies) since July 2012.

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