Silicon Quantum Computing appoints John Hollister as CFO

Silicon Quantum Computing has appointed John Hollister as Chief Financial Officer, adding a former semiconductor finance chief to the Australian quantum computing company's executive team.

Hollister took up the role in August and is based in the US, where he will oversee financial strategy and operations as the company expands its business and manufacturing activity.

He brings more than 25 years of semiconductor experience, including Chief Financial Officer roles at GlobalFoundries and Silicon Labs. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Cicada Semiconductor and Cirrus Logic.

The appointment comes as Silicon Quantum Computing, known as SQC, expands its leadership team as it works to commercialise quantum computing systems based on silicon chips manufactured with atomic precision. Hollister brings experience in capital formation, financial planning and analysis, accounting, financial reporting, mergers and acquisitions, tax, and investor relations.

Founded in Sydney, SQC has positioned itself at the intersection of semiconductor manufacturing and quantum computing research. It says its in-house manufacturing approach allows it to produce silicon chips with atomic precision and develop quantum processing units on a rapid cycle.

Executive build-out

Hollister's appointment follows the recent hiring of Karna Nisewaner as Chief Legal Officer, part of a broader push to add senior executives with experience in chip design and manufacturing operations.

SQC is one of 11 companies selected for Stage B of the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, a programme designed to assess whether quantum computing systems can achieve practical utility beyond classical machines. It also says it is already supplying quantum-enhanced artificial intelligence and materials simulation chips to customers.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer Michelle Simmons said Hollister's background is closely aligned with the company's next stage of development.

"Building a globally competitive quantum computing company requires the sharpest minds and deep knowledge. 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," Simmons said.

Hollister has spent much of his career in listed semiconductor businesses with global operations, a background that suggests SQC is preparing for more complex financing and operating requirements as it grows across markets. His tenure at GlobalFoundries placed him at one of the world's largest chip foundries, while his 20 years at Silicon Labs included 11 years as Chief Financial Officer.

The move also highlights how quantum computing companies are drawing executives from the mainstream semiconductor industry rather than solely from software or research backgrounds. For companies trying to turn laboratory work into products, expertise in supply chains, manufacturing finance, and international operations is becoming more relevant.

Commercial focus

SQC has described its long-term goal as building universal, commercial-scale quantum computers. While the sector remains at an early stage, companies are increasingly trying to demonstrate progress through narrower commercial products, partnerships, and government-backed programmes.

SQC says its approach is backed by 25 years of technological heritage and exclusive manufacturing know-how in atomic-scale silicon fabrication. That sets it apart from rivals pursuing superconducting, trapped-ion, or photonic architectures.

Established in 2017, the company remains headquartered in Sydney, though its decision to base its new finance chief in the US reflects the international nature of its investor, customer, and industry networks. It also places a senior executive closer to major semiconductor and capital markets ecosystems.

"I look forward to building the financial infrastructure to support SQC's next phase of growth, both in Australia and globally. Bringing quantum computing to the world is a massive opportunity, and SQC's atomic-precision manufacturing capability gives us a distinct commercial and scientific advantage," Hollister said.