SYSTEMS DESIGN, JOINS AMD AS CTO
- Former CEO of Newisys and CTO of IBM's PC Division To Drive AMD's
Long-Term Technology Vision, Overseeing Worldwide Strategies for
Next-Generation x86 Microprocessor Design and System Functionality -
AMD replaces Weber as CTO with Phil Hester who has 30 Years of Experience in Advanced Computing Systems Design. Stocks rallied for the day up $1.03 (4.79%) per share closing at $22.55.SUNNYVALE, CA - Sept. 7, 2005 - AMD (NYSE: AMD) announced today that
Phil Hester has joined the company as chief technology officer (CTO),
reporting directly to Dirk Meyer, president and chief operating officer
of the Microprocessor Solutions Sector.
"Phil comes to AMD with a proven track record of success," said Meyer.
"His numerous patents in system and processor design illustrate his
ability to create truly innovative technologies, grounded in a deep
understanding of customer needs. Further, Phil has the rare ability to
rapidly integrate new technologies into high-value products, and then
take those products to market quickly through disciplined execution.
We're thrilled to have a technologist and business leader of his caliber
join AMD."
Hester, taking over for departing CTO Fred Weber, will focus his three
decades of industry experience on defining and implementing AMD's future
microprocessor vision and innovation priorities.
"I have always been a fan of AMD's technology and design philosophies,
going back to my early days at IBM," said Hester. "When AMD64 was first
introduced, I knew right away it was something very special. It is an
advanced technology, clearly focused on customer needs, with
compatibility for existing software, and incredible scalability and
extensibility. Because AMD64 technology was designed and optimized from
the start for multi-core processing using its Direct Connect
Architecture, we really have only scratched the surface of its true
computing potential. That's very good news for all of our customers."
In parallel with guiding AMD's processor advancements, Hester will also
manage AMD's advanced infrastructure strategies, focusing on the
seamless integration of next-generation computing functionality into
AMD-powered systems. In addition, he will work closely with AMD
partners and customers, including Microsoft, the Linux community and
original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), to more clearly understand
their needs and how to best meet and exceed them.
"We're making definite progress on our x86 Everywhere strategies," added
Hester. "You'll be seeing bigger moves in the consumer electronics
space from us coming next year. The digital lifestyle space is actually
many high-growth markets rolled into one, from content creation all the
way through the value chain to content consumption. There is nothing
stopping our x86 processors from entering and gaining share in each of
them."
Prior to joining AMD, Hester was the founder and CEO of Austin, Texas
based Newisys, which was among the first companies to design and
manufacture enterprise-class, multi-processor servers based on the AMD
Opteron(tm) processor. Before founding Newisys, Hester spent 23 years
at IBM in several strategic management positions, including CTO of the
PC Division, general manager of the Integrated Product Solutions
division, and vice president of hardware development for the RS/6000
Division. Hester was also one of 15 members of IBM's Corporate
Technology Council, reporting directly to Lou Gerstner, which was the
group responsible for identifying, evaluating, and recommending IBM-wide
strategies for key technologies.
Hester will take over responsibilities from Fred Weber, who is leaving
AMD to explore new opportunities in early-stage technology ventures.
"I am an entrepreneur at heart," said Weber. "Six years ago I made a
commitment to AMD and my team to bring AMD64 technology to market. I'm
proud to say that part of the job is done; AMD64 and Direct Connect
Architecture are established mainstream technologies. Phil is a great
leader, and a great technologist. He has an incredible depth and breadth
of experience in system-level innovation at both the commercial and
consumer levels, most of which is based on decades-long relationships
with some of our most important customers and partners. I have full
confidence that AMD will extend its leadership position with him in this
role. The future of AMD technology is in very good, very capable hands."
About AMD
AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash
memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer,
communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to
delivering standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology
users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers.
For more information visit http://www.amd.com
