Chantal Arena

VP, R&D and Production, Devices

Dr. Chantal Arena’s journey in the semiconductor industry spans over three decades, marked by significant achievements and leadership roles. She currently drives materials development, integrated photonics, and fabrication programs at Photonic. Prior to Photonic, she was at Lawrence Semiconductor Research Laboratory as co-CEO, leading the company’s diversification and successful acquisition.

She also served as Chief Operating Officer at Array Photonics, overseeing the development of III-V NIR photodetectors and lasers while managing company operations. Prior to that, she was Executive VP and General Manager of Soitec Phoenix Labs, leading the development of high-power III-nitride LED devices and III-V solar cells.

At Soitec, Chantal played a pivotal role in diversification, contributing to the creation of Soitec Solar and Soitec Lighting Business Units. She co-founded GaNotec and PhotoNitride, focusing on Gallium Nitride epitaxial technologies after holding key roles in semiconductor OEM companies in the USA.

Chantal began her career at LETI-CEA, contributing to the development of Smart-CutTM SOI substrate technology, which led to the establishment of SOITEC in 1992. She holds a Ph.D. in semiconductor devices and materials science from the Polytechnical National Institute of Grenoble (INPG) and an electrical and physics engineering degree from ENSIEG in Grenoble, France.