EMCORE Corporation, a provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optic and space solar power industries, today announced a transition plan of its Chief Executive Officer position in connection with the announced sale of its Space Photovoltaics business.
Dr. Hong Q. Hou, EMCORE’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will be stepping down from his position. Dr. Hou will continue to serve in his current role until his successor is appointed. Dr. Hou, who has served as EMCORE’s President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2008 and as member of the Company’s Board of Directors since 2006, will work with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to EMCORE’s next Chief Executive Officer for the remaining fiber optics business. Dr. Hou will resign from the Board of Directors once a successor has been appointed.
Dr. Hou joined EMCORE as Director of Technology in 1998. He co-founded EMCORE’s Photovoltaics division and led the commercialization of high-efficiency multi-junction solar cell technology for space power applications, which was based on his research work and patents licensed from Sandia National Laboratories. According to EMCORE’s official press release, Dr. Hou was instrumental in taking concepts from the drawing board to the production of world-class, space-qualified products. From 2000 to 2006, Dr. Hou served as Vice President and General Manager of several fiber optics divisions at EMCORE and he led many initiatives to grow EMCORE’s fiber optics businesses. He was instrumental in sourcing, negotiating, acquiring, and integrating several companies into EMCORE’s business portfolio. Dr. Hou was promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer in December 2006 and held that position until his promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer in March 2008.
Dr. Gerald Fine, EMCORE’s co-Chairman commented, “Hong has provided tremendous technical and business leadership to EMCORE over the past 16 years and has helped navigate the Company through a very dynamic and complex marketplace. I applaud his contributions to the space photovoltaics and fiber optics industries. He has helped to both lead the company in the development of new technologies and business opportunities, as well as manage people through extreme challenges. I would like to personally thank Hong for his leadership, dedication and commitment to EMCORE, and wish Hong tremendous luck in his future endeavors.”