Phononic, developer of solid-state cooling technology, including thermoelectric coolers for optical communications applications (see "Phononic non-hermetic compatible thermoelectric cooler targets telecom, datacom laser packages"), has hired Larry Yang as chief product officer. The former Google Fitbit executive will be responsible for driving the go-to-market strategy and long-term growth of Phononic’s technology platform, products, and global market opportunities. Yang’s hiring comes as the company seeks to expand its presence in Silicon Valley.
Yang will oversee product marketing, management, design engineering, and strategy. He also will support sales and licensing opportunities in adjacent and new markets. With more than 30 years of career experience, he served most recently as vice president of product at Fitbit. He also worked nine years at Google in senior product roles related to connected TV platforms, gigabit internet and TV services, augmented reality smart phones, and mobile app payments. Yang also has experience with product development in the areas of microprocessors, set-top devices and game consoles, and video conferencing products at such companies as Sun Microsystems, Microsoft, and Cisco Systems.
“I’m delighted to introduce Larry Yang as Phononic’s first chief product officer,” said Tony Atti, co-founder and CEO of Phononic. “With a decorated career at some of the most recognized technology companies in the world, Larry’s track record speaks for itself. His product leadership at Phononic will help drive greater growth for the company and expand our presence further into Silicon Valley, and his passion for sustainability will help drive a continued focus on the positive environmental impact of our technology and products. We are truly excited to welcome him to the team.”
“Phononic has developed an amazing solid state cooling technology platform,” said Yang. “I’m excited about the possibilities of taking this technology to not only unlock solutions that aren’t possible with conventional HFC-based products, but also to reverse the effects of climate change by replacing greenhouse gasses. It’s a privilege to be joining the Phononic team at this phase of their journey.”
For related articles, visit the Optical Technologies Topic Center.
For more information on optical components and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
To stay abreast of optical communications technology, subscribe to Lightwave’s Enabling Technologies newsletter.
Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.