Leadership Reshuffle at Lumentum: A New Chapter Begins
Lumentum Holdings Inc., a global leader in optical and photonic solutions for cloud, AI, networking, and industrial applications, has announced a pivotal leadership transition. Effective February 7, Michael Hurlston will take the reins as President, CEO, and Director of the company. Hurlston succeeds Alan Lowe, who has led the company since its inception as a standalone public entity in 2015. Lowe will remain on the Board of Directors and serve as an advisor during this transformative period.
Who is Michael Hurlston?
Michael Hurlston is a seasoned technology leader with over 30 years of experience in senior management roles. He joins Lumentum after a successful tenure at Synaptics, Inc., where he served as President and CEO, steering the company to new heights. Prior to Synaptics, Hurlston held the role of CEO at Finisar Corporation, a leader in optical communications. Additionally, he spent 17 years at Broadcom Limited, holding various executive positions, including Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales.
Penny Herscher, Chair of Lumentum’s Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Hurlston’s capabilities, stating, “Michael’s deep expertise in semiconductors and optical communications, paired with his proven track record of driving profitable growth, uniquely positions him to lead Lumentum in this highly specialized industry.”
Acknowledging Alan Lowe’s Impactful Tenure
Alan Lowe, who played a pivotal role in shaping Lumentum’s growth trajectory, reflected on his time with the company. “It has been an honor to lead Lumentum for the past decade. Together, we’ve transformed the business, entered new markets, and positioned ourselves as leaders in the cloud and AI photonics space,” he said. Lowe’s leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation and building a robust foundation for the company’s future.
Hurlston’s Vision for Lumentum
Michael Hurlston expressed enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “Lumentum’s unique portfolio of photonic technologies and its strategically positioned manufacturing capabilities point to significant opportunities ahead. I’m eager to collaborate with the leadership team to enhance shareholder value and drive innovation across AI data centers, global communications, and industrial markets.”
Preliminary Financial Results for Q2 2025
As part of the announcement, Lumentum also shared preliminary fiscal results for the second quarter of 2025. The company expects net revenue of approximately $402 million, with non-GAAP diluted earnings per share projected between $0.40 and $0.42. These figures are at the high end or above the prior guidance range, signaling strong market momentum.
The official earnings call is scheduled for February 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. PT / 5:00 p.m. ET. Investors can access the live webcast on the company’s official website.
Looking Ahead
With Michael Hurlston at the helm, Lumentum aims to capitalize on emerging opportunities in high-speed, data-intensive connectivity and photonics innovation. His extensive background in semiconductors and optical communications is expected to propel the company into a new era of growth, particularly in the rapidly evolving cloud and AI sectors.
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