Rakon announces that Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Brent Robinson has retired from the business.
Brent previously held the Chief Executive position for over 35 years before a planned transition into the CTO role, aligned with Chief Executive Sinan Altug’s appointment in 2022. Brent will remain on the board as a Director.
Chair Lorraine Witten said: “On behalf of the board I want to thank Brent for his many years of dedicated service to Rakon, leading the company through its journey from Kiwi start-up to world leading technology manufacturer.
"Brent is a tireless innovator and an immensely respected leader who inspires colleagues and fellow Directors with his commitment and passion for the business," says Witten. "The values he and the Robinson family instilled in Rakon are reflected in the company’s culture and its relentless drive to create and enable next-generation technologies.”
Brent was appointed Chief Executive in 1986, taking over the company leadership from founder Warren Robinson. Under his leadership Rakon established global operations, entered new markets, and became a publicly traded company and recognised leader in the frequency control product industry.
Chief Executive Sinan Altug said: “Brent’s impact on our business and legacy as a world-beating tech pioneer is profound. He is respected worldwide throughout our industry for his technological expertise and contributions to groundbreaking advancements in oscillator technology.
“Brent also led Rakon through a key strategic repositioning from component manufacturer for consumer products to a recognised leader in high-performance solutions for infrastructure and industry,” says Altug.
“This transformation laid the foundation for Rakon’s current growth path and I’m pleased to say we’ve successfully expanded upon it by diversifying our product offering and capturing market share in new high-growth industries, including Commercial Space and AI infrastructure.”
Altug says the decision to retire was well signalled and allowed for a smooth transition of the technology leadership role.
“As CTO, Brent helped to lead Rakon’s development of cutting-edge timing and frequency control solutions alongside Advanced Technology Manager Michael McIlroy – who will continue to lead Rakon’s R&D and technological direction moving forward,” says Altug.
Brent’s professional achievements have been recognised several times throughout his career and include receiving the New Zealand Hi-Tech Trust Flying Kiwi Award in 2011, and becoming an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand.
Brent's 45 years at Rakon include almost 36 years as Chief Executive, from 1986 until March 2022. He was appointed to the Rakon board on 5 November 1991 and last elected at the 2022 annual meeting.
Contact:
Investor and media
Nick Laurent
+64 21 240 7541
investors@rakon.com
