SweGaN announces new chairman
GaN-on-SiC epitaxial wafer company SweGaN has appointed Pontus de Laval, senior advisor at one of SweGaN’s major shareholders Navigare Ventures, as chairman of the board.
David Lam has stepped down as Interim chairman to continue as a deputy board member. Swedish industrialist Leif Johansson has joined the SweGaN Board, along with Gerry Maguire from investor Atlantic Bridge.
These appointments signal a new phase of growth according to the company which has recently secured a long-term frame agreement to supply its patented GaN epitaxial wafers to a global company within RF GaN chip making.
De Laval, a former CTO of Saab and affiliated with the prominent Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, brings decades of leadership experience and contributions to Sweden’s technology and defence sectors.
Johansson, accredited as one of Sweden’s most influential business leaders and a member of Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, previously served as board chair at Ericsson and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, and as CEO of Volvo Group and Electrolux, amongst other executive roles.
“On behalf of SweGaN and our management team, I’d like to thank David Lam for his invaluable contributions over the past three years,” says Jr-Tai Chen. “David has played a pivotal role—alongside the executive board — in guiding our evolution from a research-driven startup to a recognised commercial semiconductor manufacturer following our Series A investment.
“SweGaN plays a critical role in the European semiconductor supply chain, and it is my great honour to welcome three exceptional European business leaders to the board to support SweGaN in its continued growth.”.
Pontus de Laval, SweGaN chairman said: “I’m excited to lead the executive board and deepen collaboration with SweGaN—a standout Swedish semiconductor company with patented innovation and a highly skilled team.
“With its cutting-edge research and product development, SweGaN is well-positioned to become a global leader in semiconductor material manufacturing, supporting a growing range of critical applications and regional supply chains.”
Leif Johansson said: “As Sweden strengthens its position in the evolving European semiconductor industry, success will depend on the innovation, research, drive, and passion of pioneering companies like SweGaN. Collaborating with Pontus, Ted, and the team to shape the company’s future promises to be an exciting journey.”
“I’m impressed by the groundbreaking semiconductor initiatives SweGaN is already part of, supported by Sweden and the EU,” shares Gerry Maguire, Atlantic Bridge. “I look forward to joining the team and helping drive its inspiring growth and impact on the industry.”
