Furukawa Electric has announced the consolidation of its global optical fiber cable operations under the new brand Lightera™, set to officially launch on April 1, 2025, at the OFC Conference in San Francisco. The restructuring brings together Furukawa Electric’s Fiber Cable Division (Japan), OFS Fitel, LLC (OFS), and Furukawa Electric LATAM S.A. (FEL) under a single entity. Foad Shaikhzadeh will lead the new organization as Chairman and CEO, with Holly Hulse serving as President and COO. The move aims to streamline operations, enhance innovation, and strengthen Furukawa Electric’s position in the global optical fiber market.
Lightera will operate through four regional divisions—North America (including Specialty Photonics), Latin America, EMEA, and APAC—supported by eight corporate functions for global coordination. This new structure is designed to improve synergies between regional teams, accelerate decision-making, and drive efficiency in developing high-performance optical fiber and connectivity solutions. The initiative aligns with Furukawa Electric’s Vision 2030 strategy, focusing on expanding market reach and supporting industries such as AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, and defense.
The name Lightera symbolizes progress through light, with the company positioning itself as a guiding force in optical fiber technology. Furukawa Electric aims to provide region-specific fiber optic solutions, leveraging strategic investments to support the growing demand for faster and more sustainable communication networks. The company will showcase Lightera’s product portfolio and vision at OFC 2025, highlighting its commitment to shaping the future of connectivity.
• Furukawa Electric consolidates its optical fiber cable businesses under the new Lightera™ brand
• Lightera officially launches on April 1, 2025, at the OFC Conference in San Francisco
• Unification includes Fiber Cable Division (Japan), OFS Fitel (North America), and Furukawa Electric LATAM
• Foad Shaikhzadeh appointed Chairman and CEO; Holly Hulse named President and COO
• Four regional divisions: North America, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC
• Focus areas include AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, and defense
• Strategy aims to improve efficiency, accelerate innovation, and expand market reach
“By integrating our resources, we will better serve our customers worldwide and help shape the future of optical fiber connectivity,” said Foad Shaikhzadeh, Chairman and CEO of Lightera.
