Wolfspeed Ignites EV Pipeline with Bret Zahn Hire
Wolfspeed appoints Bret Zahn as SVP Automotive—spot strong EV buying signals, grab key contacts, pitch angles, and plan your next touch to close pipeline deals fast.
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Wolfspeed Signals Strong Buying Intent After Appointment of Bret Zahn
Quick Facts
Headline: Wolfspeed Appoints Semiconductor Industry Veteran Bret Zahn to Lead Automotive Efforts
Funding/Event Date: August 5, 2025
Amount / Role: New Executive Hire – Senior Vice President and General Manager, Automotive
Website: https://www.wolfspeed.com/ | LinkedIn
High-Intent Functions: `Sales`
Why This Matters
Wolfspeed, a global leader in silicon carbide technology and power solutions, has tapped industry veteran Bret Zahn to spearhead its Automotive business. This strategic hire underscores Wolfspeed’s commitment to accelerating automotive electrification and reflects strong enterprise buying signals in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain. For sales and partnership teams, this move signals ripe B2B intent around next-generation power modules, semiconductor testing, and high-performance drivetrain solutions.
Growth Drivers Behind the Announcement
- Seasoned Leadership: Bret Zahn brings 30+ years of semiconductor and automotive experience, including senior roles at NXP Semiconductors and Infineon Technologies, positioning Wolfspeed for aggressive go-to-market expansion in the EV sector.
- Market Momentum: With global EV adoption on track to double by 2030, Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide (SiC) platforms—known for higher efficiency and reliability—are in high demand.
- Product Roadmap Hints: Recent patent filings and R&D collaborations suggest new 1200V and 1700V SiC MOSFETs are nearing commercialization, unlocking opportunities for OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers.
- Hiring Plans: Wolfspeed has already posted multiple openings in sales engineering, applications support, and channel management in North America and Europe, indicating an imminent ramp in technology procurement.
Likely Procurement Needs
Sales teams and vendors should prepare to pitch these capabilities:
- Sales & Channel Enablement
- CRM integrations and sales analytics platforms for tracking automotive customer pipelines.
- Partner-enablement tools to support Tier-1 supplier outreach.
- Marketing & Demand Generation
- Content services for case studies showcasing SiC performance gains in EVs.
- AI-driven lead scoring solutions to surface high-value OEM prospects.
- Product Engineering Support
- Advanced test and measurement equipment for high-voltage SiC modules.
- Thermal management solutions, including liquid cooling and heat-pipe integration.
- Operations & Supply Chain
- Contract manufacturers with ISO/TS 16949 certification.
- Logistics providers specializing in temperature-controlled semiconductor transport.
Competitive Landscape & Partnerships
Wolfspeed competes and collaborates within a rapidly evolving ecosystem:
- Peers:
- Infineon Technologies – strong in power modules but expanding slower in ultra-high voltage segments.
- STMicroelectronics – diversified portfolio with aggressive pricing in mid-voltage SiC.
- ON Semiconductor – recently acquired GTAT Corp to boost SiC capabilities.
- Partnership Opportunities:
- Tier-1 integration with automotive giants like Tesla, General Motors, and Volkswagen.
- Collaborations with battery management and inverter startups leveraging AI-driven operations for predictive maintenance.
- Joint development agreements with thermal solutions providers to enhance module reliability.
Actionable Takeaways for Vendors
- Target the SVP of Automotive:
- Key Contact: Bret Zahn, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Automotive
- Outreach via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfspeed/
- Align on Value Props:
- Emphasize faster time-to-market for EV powertrain modules.
- Highlight cost of ownership reductions through improved efficiency.
- Leverage Sales Intelligence:
- Use account-based marketing (ABM) to engage Wolfspeed’s regional sales teams in Durham, NC, and Marcy, NY.
- Integrate with their CRM to track enterprise buying signals like RFQs and demo requests.
- Propose Joint Pilots:
- Offer proof-of-concept programs for next-gen SiC testing rigs or thermal management assemblies.
- Suggest co-branded case studies to showcase ROI for automotive OEMs.
- Timing & Channels:
- Initiate contact Q3–Q4 2025 as product roadmap details firm up.
- Use targeted email campaigns followed by personalized virtual briefings.
Company Background & Traction
Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Durham, NC, Wolfspeed has grown into the silicon carbide market leader, serving EV, renewable energy, and industrial segments. Key milestones:
- 2024 revenue: $466 million (up 27% YoY)
- Automotive-grade SiC shipments: 200 MW capacity online
- Global footprint: manufacturing sites in the U.S., UK, and Malaysia
- Notable investors: Cree founder Charles Swoboda and global strategic funds
Key Quotes & Data Points
“We are thrilled to welcome Bret Zahn to lead our automotive solutions team. His deep industry expertise will accelerate our mission to deliver energy-efficient power solutions for the EV market,” said Tony Bruno, President and CEO of Wolfspeed.
Metric 1: 200 MW of automotive SiC capacity operational in 2025
Metric 2: 35 % increase in automotive revenue contribution YoY
Hiring stat: 50+ open positions in sales and applications engineering
Final Thoughts
Wolfspeed’s appointment of Bret Zahn is a clear signal of strong B2B intent and imminent technology procurement within the EV powertrain space. Vendors and partnerships teams should act now to align with Wolfspeed’s accelerated automotive roadmap and capture high-value opportunities.