Wolfspeed (WOLF) shares surged 100% on Monday as investor optimism soared following the appointment of Gregor van Issum as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 1, 2025. The announcement marks a critical milestone in the company’s restructuring efforts, which have dramatically improved its financial outlook and helped unwind prior bankruptcy concerns. The stock is now up ~6x from its recent lows.

Van Issum, who will relocate to Wolfspeed’s headquarters in Durham, North Carolina, brings over 20 years of experience in transformational restructuring and strategic finance across the technology and semiconductor sectors. His appointment follows a comprehensive review of internal and external candidates. He will report directly to CEO Robert Feurle, succeeding interim CFO Kevin Speirits, who will remain with the company to support the transition.

Van Issum previously held senior leadership roles at ams-OSRAM AG and NXP Semiconductors N.V. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President and Group Controller at ams-OSRAM, where he played a key role in financial performance, cost reduction initiatives, and M&A execution. He also served as Chief Transformation and Performance Officer, managing corporate restructuring and performance improvement strategies.

“We are excited to welcome Gregor to our team as Wolfspeed enters a new era,” said CEO Robert Feurle. “I’ve seen his strong analytical and leadership skills firsthand during our time at ams-OSRAM. His experience managing large, complex manufacturing operations will be invaluable as we unlock the potential of our purpose-built 200mm platform.”

In a statement, van Issum said, “My priority will be providing Wolfspeed’s investors with transparency and clarity during this transformative period. Building on recent steps to restructure the balance sheet, I’ll help shape a capital structure that offers agility to respond to rapid market changes. My background in transformation and restructuring is well aligned with Wolfspeed’s strategic focus on improving profitability.”

Van Issum’s appointment comes on the heels of another major leadership move: the addition of Dr. David Emerson as Chief Operating Officer in May. The refreshed executive team is viewed by analysts as a strong signal that Wolfspeed is serious about executing a turnaround and regaining its leadership position in silicon carbide (SiC) technology.

The company’s financial transformation has also played a major role in driving investor sentiment. Though Wolfspeed had once filed for bankruptcy amid mounting debt and softening EV demand, recent developments indicate the filing was part of a strategic, creditor-backed restructuring plan rather than a collapse.

According to recent disclosures, the plan reduces Wolfspeed’s debt by $4.6 billion and cuts annual interest expenses by 60%. Over 97% of senior secured noteholders have already approved the plan, and Wolfspeed aims to exit bankruptcy by the end of the third quarter. The company will emerge with a streamlined balance sheet and $1.3 billion in cash to fund operations.

Rather than viewing the filing as a failure, investors now see it as a reset. Many are betting the company’s leaner capital structure will allow it to refocus on its high-growth SiC business, which had been weighed down by financial constraints and intensified Chinese competition.

Wolfspeed is widely recognized as a leader in SiC chip production, which plays a crucial role in electric vehicles and next-generation power systems. While the company has faced several years of financial stress due to heavy debt and market headwinds, its restructuring efforts are seen as a path toward long-term recovery and renewed competitiveness.