Jim Roche. (Photo supplied)

Former Tundra Semiconductor CEO Jim Roche is at it again, taking a position on the board of directors at Fidus Systems Inc. only two months after retiring from Tundra.

"That's my personality, I guess. I couldn't imagine doing nothing," Mr. Roche said in a phone interview about his new position.

Mr. Roche, who co-founded Ottawa-based Tundra Semiconductor, will be helping out with the general management of Fidus and bringing his many contacts in the high-tech community to the table.

Fidus president Michael Wakim said he was "thrilled" about Mr. Roche coming on board, adding that he had called Mr. Roche as a "long shot" when he'd heard about his retirement from Tundra.

"Tundra has had some dealings with Fidus in the past, having bought some design services from us," said Mr. Wakim. "So I believe Jim has a lot of experience in how to run the company better, especially as we're looking at different ways of expanding and financing the company."

Mr. Roche said he had been interested in Fidus for a few years because he thought the company had a "really interesting business model," as well as because of Fidus's operations in Lebanon. He applauded Fidus's marrying of business and social responsibility, and called Mr. Wakim a "humble, self-effacing" man who was one of high-tech's "up-and-coming leaders."

"I'm impressed with the company more and more as I learn more about it," said Mr. Roche.

Mr. Roche is currently also serving as interim president and CEO of CMC Microsystems, which provides technology to university researchers in microelectronics and photonics.