Silicon Quantum Computing hires chip maker GlobalFoundries former CFO John Hollister

The news: Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC) has hired semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries’ former chief financial officer John Hollister. He began as the University of New South Wales spinout’s chief financial officer on 17 August.

The context: Hollister served as GlobalFoundries’ CFO between February 2024 and October 2025. Prior to that he spent more than 20 years at chip designer and manufacturer Silicon Labs, with the last 11 years spent serving as CFO.

He has also previously worked at Cicada Semiconductor and semiconductor supplier Cirrus Logic.

Hollister is based in Austin, Texas. SQC’s chief legal officer Karna Nisewaner, who joined the company in June 2026, and its chair, Simon Segars, are both based in San Francisco.

SQC is one of 11 companies that are part of stage B of the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, which is testing the feasibility of building a utility-scale quantum computer by 2033.

SQC is also backed by investment from the National Reconstruction Fund and the federal Industry department.

What they said: “Building a globally competitive quantum computing company requires the sharpest minds and deep knowledge,” SQC founder and CEO Michelle Simmons said.

“John brings a track record of financial rigor and expertise that is critical to advancing our commercial roadmap and scaling our world-leading manufacturing technology. We are delighted to have him on board.”

The source: Silicon Quantum Computing media release