Freescale CEO takes helm as SIA chairman

SAN JOSE, USA: The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), representing US leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and design, announced that the SIA Board of Directors has elected Freescale Semiconductor CEO, Rich Beyer as its 2012 chairman.

“As the association embarks on its 35th year of representing the semiconductor industry’s interests both in Washington, DC and around the world, we are pleased to have an industry veteran like Rich Beyer champion our efforts,” said Brian Toohey, president, Semiconductor Industry Association. “Rich’s background in systems and semiconductors and his wide variety of leadership roles throughout the industry will help to advance SIA’s public policy goal to strengthen and maintain a thriving semiconductor industry in America.”

Rich Beyer joined Freescale Semiconductor in March 2008. Prior to Freescale, he held leadership positions at Intersil Corp., Elantec Semiconductor, VLSI Technology and National Semiconductor Corp. He earned his bachelor's and master’s degrees from Georgetown University and an MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. He also served three years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and currently serves as a member of the Partnership for a New American Economy and on the US Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Council.

“It is my distinct pleasure to serve as the 2012 SIA Chairman, especially as the Association celebrates its 35th anniversary,” said Rich Beyer, chairman of the Board and CEO, Freescale Semiconductor. “It is critical that we create an environment in America that fosters semiconductor innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit, particularly since our industry will be at the heart of some of the solutions to the challenges we face as a nation and a global community. As the chairman of the SIA, that message will be central to our advocacy efforts in Washington, DC and around the world.”