April 10th 2025
To support its ongoing growth and industrial scale-up in integrated photonics packaging, PHIX has appointed Thomas Hommes as Head of Strategy. In this newly established role within the management team, Thomas will guide the company’s long-term strategic direction, helping to align PHIX’s operations and ambitions with the evolving needs of the integrated photonics market.
Driving strategic growth
In the past 5 years PHIX has met – and even surpassed – its ambitions in becoming an established and world leading contract manufacturer for devices based on photonic integrated circuits (PICs). “Arriving at this state-of-the-art production facility and seeing what PHIX has achieved in a relatively short time is really impressive,” says Thomas. “Building on top of this solid foundation, my job will be to shape and execute the strategic roadmap that takes PHIX into its next phase of growth.”
As the integrated photonics industry moves from small series to volume manufacturing, PHIX is strategically adapting to meet the requirements of its high-value customers. “Scaling up production of PIC based devices involves making timely investments in infrastructure, equipment, talent, and process optimization,” Thomas explains. “We must stay several steps ahead to support our customers’ launches and growth trajectories effectively.”
Next to driving the strategic agenda, Thomas will also contribute to the further professionalization of PHIX, in areas such as operational improvement, funding, and the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact. “PHIX already has a strong operational foundation, but the PIC market is still relatively new and in constant development. I’m looking forward to making real impact in this dynamic environment!”
“Scaling up production of PIC based devices involves making timely investments in infrastructure, equipment, talent, and process optimization.”
About Thomas Hommes
Joining PHIX is something of a homecoming for Thomas. As a former student in Enschede, he has strong ties to the region and fond memories of his time at Twente. Having earned his MSc in mechanical engineering from the University of Twente and an MBA at INSEAD, Thomas brings a robust blend of engineering and business expertise to PHIX. His professional background includes several strategy management roles, most recently a three-year tenure at telecom giant VodafoneZiggo. Outside of work, Thomas enjoys long-distance cycling and is an avid supporter of soccer club Ajax from Amsterdam, much to the chagrin of his Twente-based colleagues.
First impressions
From day one, Thomas was very impressed with the technology and the culture at PHIX. “The team is highly skilled, committed to continuous improvement, and incredibly friendly and welcoming,” he shares. “The work being done here is really pushing the boundaries of what is technologically possible. Seeing how PHIX is enabling the cutting-edge innovations of some very high-profile tech companies really blows me away!”
Are you interested in a career at PHIX?
As a rapidly growing integrated photonics packaging foundry we are always looking for new talent. Even if our current job openings aren’t an exact fit, we are eager to meet promising candidates who are experienced in photonics.
