Lightera Announces Leadership Transition as Company Marks First Year of Global Integration

Lightera today announced the appointment of Holly Hulse as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026. She succeeds Foad Shaikhzadeh, who will continue to serve as Chairman. The transition marks the next phase in Lightera’s evolution following its successful first year as a unified global organization.

The Furukawa Electric Group initiated the integration of its global fiber and cable business in 2024, establishing a structure that enabled stronger collaboration and more agile, matrix-based operations. This foundation led to the formal launch of Lightera on April 1, 2025—positioning the company to address accelerating global demand and deliver unified solutions to customers, including hyperscale data center operators.

Over its first year, Lightera strengthened its global operating model, advanced a shift toward solution-based selling, and expanded its presence across key segments, including communications networks, connectivity infrastructure, advanced networks, specialty photonics, and data centers. These efforts contributed to operational performance that exceeded first-year targets.

Hulse, who was named Corporate Vice President of Furukawa Electric in 2025, will lead Lightera’s next phase of growth. In her role as CEO, she will focus on expanding high-value segments such as data centers, advancing innovation across the company’s portfolio and accelerating solution selling.

“Lightera has built a strong foundation in its first year through global alignment, agility, and a clear market focus,” said Hulse. “We are well positioned to scale our impact, deepen customer partnerships, and deliver high-performance solutions that support the next generation of digital infrastructure.”

“Foad’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing Lightera’s identity and strategic direction,” said Shinji Asao, Corporate Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Optical Solutions Domain at Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. “His continued involvement ensures strong continuity as Lightera enters its next phase of growth. We are confident in Holly Hulse’s leadership to drive the company forward, building on this strong foundation and accelerating Lightera’s global impact.”

About Lightera

Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions. Built on a legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide.

With operational headquarters in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera serves customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets.

Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a pioneer in advancing the next generation of infrastructure through integrated solutions in connectivity, information, energy, and mobility, to create a safe, peaceful, and sustainable world.