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Bob Zona
Professional Background
Bob Zona is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in the electronic components industry. His multifaceted career encompasses various key areas including research and development, manufacturing, and marketing. Bob began his journey in the engineering field where he made significant contributions to the design and development of electronic components, progressing through various high-impact roles in well-respected organizations.
As the Marketing Director at LightLogic, Bob showcased his exceptional skills by successfully launching and developing a 10 gigabit optical business from the ground up. His strategic initiatives attracted prestigious clients, positioning LightLogic as a compelling acquisition target for Intel. He achieved remarkable success by securing key accounts with prominent companies such as Cisco, Foundry, Extreme, and Huawei, effectively competing against well-established rivals in the industry.
Bob's tenure at Intel as the Director of Marketing further exemplified his strategic acumen. He played a critical role in crafting the 10 gigabit Ethernet business strategy, guiding a team responsible for Intel's success with tunable lasers. His leadership and vision were instrumental in growing the optical transceiver business, which escalated from near-zero to over $100 million in revenue within a remarkable span between 2001 and 2007.
Furthermore, during his time at Lumileds, Bob defined award-winning LED products that generated impressive revenue exceeding $700 million. His expertise in strategic product marketing, along with a solid foundation in solid-state lighting, fiber optics, microwaves, and radio frequency (RF), has solidified his reputation as a leader in the electronic components sector.
Education and Achievements
Bob Zona completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) at the University of California, Davis, which equipped him with the technical foundation necessary to excel in the highly competitive field of electronic components. His education not only honed his engineering skills but also sparked a passion for innovation in electronics, which he has carried throughout his remarkable career.
In addition to his formal education, Bob has earned recognition for his innovative approaches and substantial contributions to the industries he has served. He has demonstrated a consistent ability to drive business results through comprehensive market strategies, leading teams toward success and creating sustainment models for long-term growth in increasingly challenging markets.
Professional History
Bob's extensive professional history includes pivotal roles at a variety of prominent companies:
- Senior Product Marketing Manager at Microchip Technology Inc.
- Owner at Robert Zona Market Consulting, where he provided expert marketing consultation to various clients.
- Director of Strategic Marketing at Lumileds, delivering product solutions that won awards and brought substantial revenue.
- Marketing Director at Intel, where his contributions to the optics business reshaped market dynamics and established Intel as a key player in this sector.
- Marketing Director at LightLogic, where he successfully launched a new line of optical products and built key customer relationships.
- Product Marketing Engineer at Agilent Technologies, contributing valuable expertise in marketing electronic components.
- Product Marketing Manager and Manufacturing Manager at Hewlett Packard, playing dual roles to bridge the gap between product development and market success.
- Engineering Manager and Design Engineer at Avantek, where he began shaping his career as an engineer before transitioning to marketing roles.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Bob Zona has achieved remarkable milestones, greatly impacting the industries he engages in. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
- Developing a robust 10 gigabit optical business at LightLogic, securing significant customers, and leading the company to an acquisition opportunity with Intel.
- Driving the optical transceiver business at Intel leading to over $100 million revenue in just six years.
- Defining award-winning LED products while at Lumileds, contributing to over $700 million in revenue generation.
- Positions of increasing responsibility, demonstrating his depth of knowledge in product marketing and strategic planning across several leading companies within the electronics industry.
Bob's strategic mindset, coupled with his technical expertise, makes him an influential figure in the electronic components landscape. His career trajectory is a testament to his dedication and ability to innovate and lead in competitive markets. His work not only defines his professional legacy but also paves the way for future advancements in the fast-paced electronic components sector.
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