BluGlass appoints its President Jim Haden to be Chief Executive Officer

02 Mar 2023

Appointment follows acquisition of US fab, launch of first lasers, and customer orders.

Semiconductor and laser developer BluGlass, based in Silverwater, NSW, Australia, has announced that its President Jim Haden has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Haden joined BluGlass as President in September 2021.

As President, Haden has brought BluGlass’ GaN laser technology to market, significantly improving laser performance and reliability to successfully launch its first suite of products and secure initial customer orders.

He was also instrumental in the acquisition of a purpose-built laser production fab, which is enabling the firm to “vertically integrate its downstream manufacturing processes, expedite development and production, and improve laser quality while reducing manufacturing costs,” according to this week’s statement.

Industry veteran

Haden has more than three decades’ laser expertise and a record of transitioning advanced technology businesses to profitable, high-growth commercial entities. He has held senior leadership positions at several of BluGlass’ potential customers and competitors, including Kyocera SLD, nLight, Coherent and JDS Uniphase (now Lumentum).

Commenting on the appointment, BluGlass Chair James Walker said, “Jim’s technical expertise, industry network, and commercialisation know-how has been instrumental in transforming BluGlass from our R&D origins to a commercial provider of GaN lasers. Our technical and commercial progress since his appointment cannot be overstated. We are now a genuine player in a fast-growing market with very few competitors and high barriers to entry.

Walkser added, “The company’s value proposition caters to our customers’ biggest challenges and feedback on our newly launched products has reaffirmed we have the right team and strategy in place to become a market leader. As CEO, Jim will have greater operational control across our three production facilities in Sydney, Silicon Valley, and Nashua, New Hampshire, and will be responsible for the continued transition to revenue generation and sustainability.”

Haden himself said, “I am looking forward to driving BluGlass’ continued growth and transformation, as we leverage our innovative product portfolio and deliver exceptional value for customers, shareholders, and our staff.”