COMPANY NEWS Wolfspeed appoints Bret Zahn to lead automotive efforts

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CISSOID S.A.

MERSEN

Wolfspeed, Inc. has announced the appointment of Bret Zahn as Vice President and General Manager of their Automotive business as the company continues to enhance its leadership team amid its strategic expansion in high-growth markets. This appointment reflects Wolfspeed’s continued commitment to enabling the next generation of electric vehicles through cutting-edge silicon carbide solutions. Zahn will report to Chief Business Officer Cengiz Balkas, and will be based at company headquarters in Durham, N.C.

In this role, Zahn will lead the development and execution of Wolfspeed’s automotive product roadmap, aligning with the rapidly evolving needs of global electric vehicle makers and Tier 1 suppliers. Working closely with engineering, R&D, and commercial teams, he will be responsible for driving innovation that meets the increasing demand for power efficiency, performance, and scalability in electric mobility.

“The automotive industry is at an inflection point, and Wolfspeed is at the heart of the transformation,” said Robert Feurle, CEO of Wolfspeed. “Our silicon carbide solutions are already powering some of the world’s most advanced EVs. Under Bret's leadership, we will deepen our partnerships with global automakers and deliver the next wave of innovation to expand our product offerings and meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

As the transition to electrified transportation accelerates, silicon carbide has emerged as a foundational technology for extending driving range, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing charging times. Wolfspeed’s investment in vertically integrated, U.S-based SiC manufacturing—including its 200mm Mohawk Valley Fab and materials facility in North Carolina—positions the company to meet automotive demand and offers a secure and scalable supply chain for customers.

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Zahn brings 35 years of global engineering and business management experience across various technology sectors. Previously he held the role of VP and GM of the Automotive Traction Solutions (ATS) Business Unit at onsemi, encompassing both SiC and IGBT bare die and power module sales, growing that business from IGBT only revenue in 2020 to both IGBT and SiC revenue at the close of 2024. His proven ability to navigate complex business structures and lead cross-functional teams will be instrumental as Wolfspeed seeks to capitalize on opportunities within the automotive sector.

“I am excited to join Wolfspeed during this transformative period and contribute to its mission of delivering advanced solutions in the automotive market,” said Zahn. “I look forward to working alongside this talented team to drive continued innovation and growth as we navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the industry.”

Zahn’s appointment follows the announcements of Wolfspeed’s refreshed leadership team and marks another milestone as Wolfspeed works to navigate near-term market dynamics and seize opportunities to expand its leadership in silicon carbide technologies.

Find the forward-looking statement here.

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