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John Thode
Entrepreneur | Director | Investor | Educator
John Thode is a seasoned technology executive and entrepreneur with extensive experience in leadership roles across various high-tech companies.2 He currently serves as the President and Co-Chief Executive Officer at AKHAN Semiconductor, Inc.1
Professional Background
Corporate Leadership:: John Thode has held senior executive positions at several prominent technology companies, including:
- Motorola
- Dell
- McAfee
He has also led successful exits as CEO of ISCO Inc. and President of Digital Optics Corporation.1
Entrepreneurship:: Thode is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, having bootstrapped Thode Residential Rental Properties, LLC, where he remains Chair.1
Academic Roles and Achievements
John Thode has a strong connection to academia, particularly with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign:
- Appointed as the Richard and Gayle Landuyt Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in April 20241
- Inaugural Clinical Professor for Innovation, Leadership, and Engineering Entrepreneurship at The Grainger College of Engineering's Technology Entrepreneur Center (joined in 2019)1
Educational Background::
- MBA with Distinction from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University
- MS in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology
- BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois1
Other Roles and Contributions
- Active angel investor with Hyde Park Angel and a founding member of the Illini Angels1
- Holds State of Illinois Professional Educator Licenses in secondary science and career and technical education specialties1
- Has taught at Chicago Public Schools1
- Serves on various boards, contributing to both profit and non-profit organizations1
John Thode is known for his wealth of experience and engineering expertise, which has made him a successful leader across numerous high-tech ventures.2 His current role at AKHAN Semiconductor, Inc. allows him to apply his extensive knowledge and leadership skills in the semiconductor industry.
Highlights
Thrilled to share that I’ve joined AKHAN Semiconductor, Inc. We are leaders in disruptive diamond platform technologies with applications in all of the fastest growing and emergent spaces in consumer electronics, semiconductors, automotive, and industrial sectors to name a few. AKHAN Semiconductor, Inc. also announced its $20 million funding round. #diamondage #diamondtech Adam Khan Craig Mitchell
Congratulations to Natrion and all of the 2021 Cozad New Venture Challenge Winners! #entrepreneurship #uiuc #grainger #venturebuilding #innovation
