Research is central to NEC’s long-term vision of advancing technologies that deliver real societal value. NEC’s global R&D organization spans multiple continents and brings together deep expertise across artificial intelligence, networking, security, sensing, computing, and systems innovation. Under Chris’s global leadership, this network includes:

• NEC Central Research Laboratories (Japan) – NEC’s core research organization, driving foundational and applied research that shapes the company’s long-term technology roadmap.
• NEC Laboratories America – Based in Princeton, New Jersey and San Jose, California, focusing on advanced AI, machine learning, networking, sensing, security, and system technologies.
• NEC Laboratories Europe – With research centers across Germany and Spain, advancing AI, network systems, security, and distributed computing.
• NEC Laboratories Asia Pacific – Located in Singapore, emphasizing applied AI, generative AI, and regionally focused innovation.
• NEC Laboratories China – Collaborating on communications, networking technologies, and applied digital solutions.

Together, these laboratories form a tightly connected global research ecosystem, working in close partnership with NEC’s business units, customers, and academic collaborators worldwide. As Managing Director of NEC’s global R&D Division, Chris will strengthen collaboration across regions, align long-term scientific investment with NEC’s strategic priorities, and accelerate the translation of research into impactful technologies and solutions. His appointment reflects NEC’s continued commitment to research excellence as a driver of innovation, competitiveness, and societal impact.

“I am deeply honored to take on this expanded role and grateful for the trust NEC has placed in me. Our research labs around the world share a common mission: turning fundamental research into technology that delivers real value. I look forward to deepening that collaboration globally, while continuing the work we are doing here at NEC Laboratories America.” – Chris White, Corporate Senior Vice President at NEC Corporation.

Chris brings extensive experience leading world-class research organizations. As President of NEC Laboratories America since 2020, he has guided the lab’s growth and influence across foundational research and applied innovation. Before NEC, he held senior research leadership roles at Nokia Bell Labs, advancing analytics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent systems.

In this expanded role, Chris will lead NEC’s worldwide R&D strategy while continuing to serve as President of NEC Laboratories America, Inc.

Chris has a Ph.D. in Theoretical Quantum Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University, with a concentration in Computer Science.

Please join us in congratulating Chris on this important milestone and his expanded leadership role in shaping the future of NEC’s global research and development efforts.