Optica Awards 2024 Ives Medal/Quinn Prize; Quantum Science Adds COO: People in the News: 2/28/24

Quantum Science, an infrared quantum dot technology company, has appointed Billy McLaughlin as its first COO. He will be responsible for leading the company’s commercial operations as the business continues development of its proprietary INFIQ quantum dot technology. McLaughlin has more than 30 years’ experience in the semiconductor industry having held roles including managing director at Sivers Photonics as well as senior leadership and board-level positions at SmartKem, Motorola, Global Foundries, and Teledyne e2v.

Billy McLaughlin. Courtesy of Quantum Science.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Optica has named Kenichi Iga as the 2024 recipient of the Frederic Ives Medal/Jarus W. Quinn Prize for his contributions and leadership in the field of semiconductor lasers and optoelectronics and a dedication to training and educating future generations. Iga, professor emeritus and former president of Tokyo Institute of Technology, is recognized for his pioneering contributions to VCSEL technology. He is the author of several books as well as more than 450 papers. The Federic Ives Medal is Optica's highest award.

Kenichi Iga. Courtesy of Optica.

ZÜRICH — The ABB board of directors has appointed Morten Wierod as the company’s CEO, succeeding Björn Rosengren who has held the position for the past four years. Wierod joined ABB in 1998 and has served as a member of ABB's executive committee since 2019 — currently as president of the electrification business area and previously as president of the motion business area. Rosengren will advise and assist Wierod and the executive committee until the end of the year.

Morten Wierod. Courtesy of ABB.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Laser Photonics Corporation, a developer of laser systems for cleaning and materials applications, named Carlos M. Gonzalez as independent director and chairman of its audit committee. Gonzalez has held previous financial and management positions in support of manufacturing, energy, and international trade companies such as Global Pangermex, Unified Energy Solutions Inc., and Sfinkx Corporation.

NEUCHÂTEL, Switzerland — The PHABULOuS Pilot Line Association, a manufacturer of free-form micro-optical components, has added Richard Clarke as its director general. His main focus will be to guide the association beyond its current project into a sustainable association. Clarke is a chartered accountant who has spent the majority of his career in senior executive roles in technology companies involved in aerospace, electronics, optics, semiconductors, and nanomaterials and is currently the finance director of PowerPhotonic Limited and member of PHABULOuS’ executive board.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — OcuSciences, a developer of optical ocular imaging technology, has appointed Michael Patane to its board of directors. Patane has 25 years of experience, including leadership roles in startup, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical companies — many of which included ophthalmic product creation and development. His most recent roles include president of Mitobridge, Inc., and chief scientific officer of Eyegate Pharmaceuticals, Inc, now Kiora Pharmaceuticals.