Don Mattrick takes over the top job at the Coquitlam, B.C.-based company from Paul Terry, who will become chief product officer. (The Logic)

Talking point: Founded by chief quantum officer Stephanie Simmons in October 2016, Photonic is a leading player in the race to build useful quantum computers. In January, it closed $180 million in new financing from backers including Microsoft, RBC and Telus. At the time, Terry said the money would fund Photonic through the commercialization of its technology. Photonic is one of three Canadian companies selected for major programs in the U.S. and Canada, designed to prove out quantum computing. Mattrick, an early investor in the firm, started B.C. game developer Distinctive Software before selling it to Electronic Arts, where he ran the company’s international studios. He also led Microsoft’s Xbox division through the launch of the popular Kinect accessory and the development of the less successful Xbox One. At a time when some quantum computing competitors are listing, Mattrick also has public company experience from running Zynga between July 2013 and April 2015.