TORONTO, July 8, 2025 — In a strategic move to bolster its leadership team, POET Technologies Inc. has announced the appointment of Sohail Khan as a director and member of the Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee. Effective July 7, 2025, Khan joins the board of the Toronto-based company, which specializes in the design and development of advanced photonic integrated circuits and optical modules for data centers, telecommunications, and AI markets.
The appointment of Khan, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in high technology firms, comes at a critical time for POET Technologies as it seeks to expand its footprint in the rapidly evolving AI and telecommunications sectors. Khan brings a wealth of knowledge from his previous roles, including his tenure as Executive Vice President at Coherent Corp. and his leadership positions at Agere Systems and ViXS Systems Inc.
Strategic Leadership and Industry Expertise
Khan’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader with a strong track record in mergers and acquisitions is expected to be a valuable asset for POET. His experience includes negotiating the sale and purchase of multiple companies, a skill that will likely be instrumental as POET navigates potential growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.
POET’s Chairman and CEO, Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, expressed his enthusiasm for Khan’s appointment.
“We are thrilled to have Sohail on our Board of Directors. His broad expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance our strategic initiatives and pursue new opportunities for growth in AI and other market segments,” said Dr. Venkatesan.
Board Changes and Future Directions
The addition of Khan to the board follows the retirement of Chris Tsiofas, who served as Chair of the Audit Committee. Tsiofas decided not to seek re-election during the recent Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on June 27, 2025. His departure reduced the board size to five members, but with Khan’s appointment, the board now comprises six directors, including Dr. Suresh Venkatesan, Jean-Louis Malinge, Theresa Lan Ende, Glen Riley, Robert Tirva, and Sohail Khan.
Dr. Venkatesan acknowledged Tsiofas’s contributions, stating,
“All the members of the Board, and indeed, the entire Company and our shareholders wish to thank Chris for his thirteen years of expert service as Chair of the Audit Committee and his thoughtful guidance as a member of the Board. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
Compensation and Incentives
In conjunction with his appointment, Khan was awarded 21,200 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), set to vest on the first anniversary of the grant. This incentive aligns with POET’s strategy to attract and retain top talent by offering equity-based compensation. The RSUs were granted under the Company’s 2025 Omnibus Incentive Plan, adhering to TSX Venture Exchange policies and applicable securities laws.
The allocation of RSUs, based on a per-share price of CAD$7.70, reflects the closing price of POET’s shares on July 4, 2025. This approach underscores the company’s commitment to aligning director compensation with shareholder interests, ensuring that board members are invested in the long-term success of the company.
About POET Technologies
POET Technologies is at the forefront of photonic integration solutions, leveraging its patented POET Optical Interposer™ platform to seamlessly integrate electronic and photonic devices into a single chip. This technology offers significant advantages in terms of cost, power consumption, and scalability, making it a critical component in AI systems and hyperscale data centers.
With operations spanning Toronto, Shenzhen, Singapore, and Penang, POET is well-positioned to address the growing demand for high-speed optical engines and modules. The company’s innovations in light source products for AI server communication and solutions for 5G networks and autonomous vehicles highlight its role in addressing bandwidth and latency challenges in modern computing environments.
As POET Technologies continues to expand its influence in the tech industry, the appointment of Sohail Khan is seen as a pivotal step in reinforcing its leadership and strategic direction. The company remains committed to driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions to its clients worldwide.
