Cailabs, a Global Leader in Light-Shaping Technology, Welcomes Jeff Huggins as President of North America
San Francisco, CA — November 14, 2023 Renovata & Company is pleased to announce the placement of Jeff Huggins as president of North America for Cailabs, a global leader in light-shaping technology that’s working to solve some of the world’s most urgent industrial and technological challenges.
Founded in 2013, Cailabs is based out of Rennes, France. The Starquest Capital-backed company designs, manufactures and provides photonic solutions—combining beam shape technology with optimal engineering. Cailabs products help resolve challenges for various major industrial and technological applications—including laser machining, space optical communications, ground-based telecommunications and defense. The company’s medium-term goal is to become the world leader in optical ground stations.
Cailabs has a presence in more than 15 countries around the world, directly or through its network of distributors and sales representatives. The company currently has more than 80 employees and has filed 26 patent families.
“Jeff is a proven senior executive with experience as a Naval officer, senior official in the U.S. Department of State and business leader,” says Simon Francis, Renovata & Company partner. “In a previous chief executive officer position, he grew an established $24M company to more than $40M in just four years while also delivering 76% revenue growth despite COVID impacts in that timeframe.”
Prior to joining Cailabs, Huggins was an independent board consultant supporting private equity due diligence. He is also a part-time board director for a health management consulting firm. Huggins was chief executive officer and chairman of the board with Safran, a key player in the global commercial and military aerospace propulsion and equipment sectors. In addition, he was vice president of business development and marketing for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) North America. Earlier in his career, Huggins was senior advisor to the U.S. Ambassador to Japan for the U.S. Department of State. He is a retired commander of the U.S. Department of the Navy.
About Renovata & Company
Renovata & Company is an executive search and private equity advisory platform, trusted by boards, financial sponsors and their portfolio companies. Our global platform delivers transformational leaders, high-performing teams, and valuable insights that drive superior business and investment outcomes. Renovata’s executive search activities are focused on high-impact, board-level mandates, including CEOs, CFOs, other C-suite executives and board directors. Zeren delivers broader talent solutions, supporting businesses as they build teams throughout the organization. With relationships across 60 leading private equity firms, we also provide specialized diligence and advisory services, including executive/operating advisors, diligence support, sector development and deal origination. We also make equity co-investments alongside our private equity clients through our investment affiliate, L Capital. With a heritage in software and technology-enabled services, Renovata & Company now serves digital-first companies in multiple industries across North America and Europe. www.renovata.com
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