Franco Plastina is a key player in the tech world, having led Wolfspeed, a company focused on semiconductor technology, from 2015 until its organizational changes in 2017. With a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto, he...
Franco Plastina is a key player in the tech world, having led Wolfspeed, a company focused on semiconductor technology, from 2015 until its organizational changes in 2017. With a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto, he has a strong technical background that helps him understand the complexities of his field. Plastina's journey began when he joined Cree's Board of Directors in 2007, bringing significant experience from his previous roles as CEO of Tekelec and founder of his consultancy firm, Arc & Company. Under his leadership, Wolfspeed was positioned to innovate in the power and RF division, making strides in silicon carbide technology, which is essential for next-gen electronic devices. His compensation in 2017 reached upwards of $1.3 million, a reflection of how important his role was during a critical time for the company. Not just focused on numbers, Plastina emphasizes performance-based pay, linking his success directly to the company’s achievements. After a transition period focusing on reintegration within Cree, Plastina remains influential in tech, guiding new entrepreneurs and startups through the Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network, where he serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence.