Calumet Electronics announced the promotion of Dr. Meredith LaBeau to President and Chief Technology Officer, effective November 1, the start of the company’s fiscal year. Following careful consideration, Calumet’s Board of Directors approved the appointment in recognition of LaBeau’s contributions to the company’s technology advancement, industry partnerships and long-term vision. Under her expanded leadership role, the company will continue building out its technology strategy, expanding industry partnerships and strengthening day-to-day operations. Steve Vairo will remain Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.
The appointment comes at an inflection point for Calumet as its investments in advanced PCB and organic substrate technologies create new opportunities for growth and industry leadership. After 25 years with Vairo serving as both President and CEO, the company is expanding its leadership structure to meet the demands of this next chapter. LaBeau’s appointment aligns the company’s leadership with its growing capabilities and ambitions, while allowing Vairo to focus on long-range direction and strategy.
LaBeau has helped shape Calumet’s technology direction while building trusted relationships across the electronics industry. Her work connects customers, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, universities and government partners around a shared mission: advancing electronics to better the world.
“Meredith sees what is possible for Calumet and the industry – and understands what it takes to get there,” said Vairo. “She has earned the confidence of our leadership team, board of directors and colleagues across our industry by bringing technical depth, conviction and a willingness to work alongside others to solve very difficult problems. She cares deeply about the future of American electronics manufacturing and the people who will build it.”
Since becoming CTO in 2021, LaBeau has championed advanced HDI, UHDI PCBs and organic substrate technologies. Recognized as an IPC Thought Leader, she serves on the Global Electronics Association Board and the Industrial Advisory Committee for the CHIPS Act, where she serves as Workforce Chair. She has also contributed to IPC standards supporting the domestic electronics supply chain.
LaBeau helped lead Calumet’s collaboration with industry, government and education partners to advance U.S. organic substrate technology, culminating in the September opening of the $54.7 million Center for Advanced Substrate Technology (CAST). The nation’s first dedicated panel-level organic substrate manufacturing facility expands Calumet’s capabilities in technologies supporting advanced semiconductor packaging, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, aerospace and defense.
“The next generation of electronics needs a strong American manufacturing foundation, and Calumet has an important role in building it,” said LaBeau. “That takes trusted relationships, shared knowledge and people who are willing to tackle challenges together. I care deeply about keeping that expertise here at home. At Calumet, we have the opportunity to help lead our industry forward while creating meaningful opportunities for the people in our own community.” As president and CTO, LaBeau will lead daily operations and the technology roadmap, aligning workforce development, manufacturing capabilities and capital investment priorities with customer needs and Calumet’s long-term ambitions.
“I’m grateful to Steve, the Board of Directors and our leadership team for their trust and support, and to the employees whose grit and dedication make our progress possible, together” LaBeau added. “Our future depends on giving our people the tools, knowledge and opportunities to grow as we advance technologies. I am proud to help lead that work.” The appointment reinforces Calumet’s commitment to advancing capabilities while providing reliable products, long-term employment and opportunities for employees to develop. As the company pursues technology leadership, these commitments will continue to guide its growth.
