Skyworks Announces Leadership Succession
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) has announced a major leadership transition, with Philip Brace appointed as the new president and CEO, effective February 17, 2025. Brace will succeed Liam K. Griffin, who is stepping down after 23 years with the company. Christine King, previously lead independent director, has been appointed as Chairman of the Board.
Brace brings extensive semiconductor industry experience, having served as executive chairman of Inseego Corp, CEO of Sierra Wireless, and held executive positions at Veritas Technologies and Seagate Technology. He holds degrees from the University of Waterloo and California State University, Sacramento.
The appointment follows a comprehensive succession planning process conducted by the board with assistance from an executive search firm. Griffin will remain in an advisory role for three months to ensure a smooth transition.
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) ha annunciato una significativa transizione dirigenziale, con Philip Brace nominato nuovo presidente e CEO, con effetto dal 17 febbraio 2025. Brace succederà a Liam K. Griffin, che si dimette dopo 23 anni con l'azienda. Christine King, precedentemente direttrice indipendente principale, è stata nominata Presidente del Consiglio di Amministrazione.
Brace porta con sé una vasta esperienza nel settore dei semiconduttori, avendo ricoperto il ruolo di presidente esecutivo di Inseego Corp, CEO di Sierra Wireless e occupato posizioni dirigenziali presso Veritas Technologies e Seagate Technology. Ha conseguito lauree presso l'Università di Waterloo e la California State University, Sacramento.
La nomina segue un ampio processo di pianificazione della successione condotto dal consiglio con l'assistenza di una società di ricerca esecutiva. Griffin rimarrà in un ruolo consultivo per tre mesi per garantire una transizione fluida.
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) ha anunciado una importante transición de liderazgo, con Philip Brace nombrado como nuevo presidente y CEO, efectivo el 17 de febrero de 2025. Brace sucederá a Liam K. Griffin, quien dejará el cargo tras 23 años en la empresa. Christine King, anteriormente directora independiente principal, ha sido nombrada presidenta de la Junta Directiva.
Brace aporta una amplia experiencia en la industria de semiconductores, habiendo sido presidente ejecutivo de Inseego Corp, CEO de Sierra Wireless y ocupando puestos ejecutivos en Veritas Technologies y Seagate Technology. Posee títulos de la Universidad de Waterloo y de la Universidad Estatal de California, Sacramento.
La designación sigue un exhaustivo proceso de planificación de la sucesión realizado por la junta con la asistencia de una firma de búsqueda ejecutiva. Griffin permanecerá en un rol consultivo durante tres meses para garantizar una transición fluida.
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS)는 주요 리더십 전환을 발표하며, Philip Brace가 2025년 2월 17일부터 새로운 대통령 겸 CEO로 임명되었습니다. Brace는 23년 동안 이 회사에 재직했던 Liam K. Griffin의 후임이 됩니다. 이전의 주요 독립 이사였던 Christine King이 이사회 의장으로 임명되었습니다.
Brace는 인세고(Inseego Corp)의 회장, 시에라 무선(Sierra Wireless)의 CEO, 그리고 베리타스 테크놀로지(Veritas Technologies)와 시게이트 테크놀로지(Seagate Technology)에서 임원직을 수행한 바 있어 반도체 산업에서 폭넓은 경험을 쌓았습니다. 그는 워털루 대학교와 캘리포니아 주립대학교 새크라멘토에서 학위를 취득했습니다.
이번 임명은 이사회가 진행한 포괄적인 후계 계획 프로세스 결과이며, 경영 탐색 회사의 지원을 받았습니다. Griffin은 원활한 전환을 보장하기 위해 3개월 동안 자문 역할을 유지할 것입니다.
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) a annoncé une importante transition de leadership, avec Philip Brace nommé nouveau président et PDG, prenant effet le 17 février 2025. Brace succédera à Liam K. Griffin, qui se retire après 23 ans au sein de l'entreprise. Christine King, ancienne administratrice indépendante principale, a été nommée présidente du conseil d'administration.
Brace apporte une vaste expérience dans l'industrie des semi-conducteurs, ayant été président exécutif d'Inseego Corp, PDG de Sierra Wireless et occupant des postes de direction chez Veritas Technologies et Seagate Technology. Il est diplômé de l'Université de Waterloo et de l'Université d'État de Californie, à Sacramento.
Cette nomination fait suite à un processus complet de planification de la succession mené par le conseil d'administration avec l'aide d'une société de recherche exécutive. Griffin restera dans un rôle consultatif pendant trois mois pour garantir une transition fluide.
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) hat einen bedeutenden Führungswechsel angekündigt, bei dem Philip Brace zum neuen Präsidenten und CEO ernannt wurde, wirksam ab dem 17. Februar 2025. Brace wird Liam K. Griffin nachfolgen, der nach 23 Jahren im Unternehmen zurücktritt. Christine King, zuvor leitende unabhängige Direktorin, wurde zur Vorsitzenden des Aufsichtsrats ernannt.
Brace bringt umfangreiche Erfahrung in der Halbleiterbranche mit, da er als Executive Chairman von Inseego Corp, CEO von Sierra Wireless sowie in leitenden Positionen bei Veritas Technologies und Seagate Technology tätig war. Er hat Abschlüsse von der University of Waterloo und der California State University, Sacramento.
Die Ernennung folgt einem umfassenden Nachfolgeplanungsprozess, der vom Vorstand mit Unterstützung einer Personalberatungsfirma durchgeführt wurde. Griffin wird für drei Monate in einer beratenden Rolle bleiben, um einen reibungslosen Übergang zu gewährleisten.
- Structured leadership transition with 3-month advisory period ensuring continuity
- New CEO brings extensive semiconductor industry experience and proven track record
- Appointment resulted from comprehensive succession planning process
- Departure of long-term CEO after 23 years could create operational uncertainty
- Multiple simultaneous leadership changes (CEO and Chairman) may impact short-term stability
Insights
This CEO transition at Skyworks Solutions warrants careful analysis given the company's strategic position in the semiconductor industry. Philip Brace's appointment is particularly noteworthy for several key reasons:
His track record at Sierra Wireless demonstrates relevant operational expertise - during his tenure, he led significant operational improvements before the company's eventual acquisition by Semtech for
The timing of this transition is strategic, coming as the semiconductor industry faces several critical inflection points:
- The ongoing transition to advanced 5G infrastructure
- Growing demand for IoT connectivity solutions
- Increasing competition in RF semiconductors
- Evolving supply chain dynamics
Brace's diverse background across software, hardware and cloud systems aligns well with Skyworks' need to diversify beyond its traditional mobile focus. His experience at Intel and LSI provides deep semiconductor industry knowledge, while his roles at Veritas and Seagate demonstrate capability in managing complex technology portfolios.
The orderly succession process, including Christine King's appointment as Chairman and a structured transition period, suggests careful governance and should help maintain operational stability. However, investors should monitor several key areas in the coming quarters:
- Potential strategic shifts in product development and market focus
- Changes in customer relationship management, particularly with major clients
- Operational efficiency initiatives
- R&D investment priorities in emerging technologies
Philip Brace to Succeed Liam K. Griffin as President and Chief Executive Officer of Skyworks
Christine King Appointed Chairman of the Board
In connection with today’s announcement, Griffin has also stepped down as a member of the board of directors, and Christine King, who has served as Skyworks’ lead independent director since 2019, has been appointed chairman of the board of directors.
Brace has extensive experience in the semiconductor, server, IoT and storage industries and has held various roles across software, hardware, engineering, marketing and sales. He has served as executive chairman of Inseego Corp. since February 2024, also serving as interim principal executive officer until January 2025. Prior to Inseego, he served as president and CEO of Sierra Wireless Inc. from July 2021 to January 2023, where he led the company through significant operational improvements. Prior to this, Brace served as executive vice president of Veritas Technologies from 2019 to 2021 and president of Cloud Systems and Electronic Solutions at Seagate Technology from 2015 to 2017. Brace began his career at Intel Corporation and LSI Corporation holding various engineering and management roles. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Inseego, Blackberry Limited and Lantronix, Inc. He received his bachelor’s degree of applied science in computer engineering from the University of Waterloo and his master’s degree in electrical engineering from California State University,
“Phil’s appointment is the result of a comprehensive and thoughtful succession planning process, in which our board focused on identifying the right leader to succeed Liam,” said Ms. King. “Phil is an accomplished technology executive who brings strategic insight and exemplary leadership. We are at an inflection point in the wireless networking revolution, and Phil’s expertise adds to our confidence that he will execute on our long-term initiatives. Phil has deep knowledge of the semiconductor industry and extensive experience in helping businesses enhance their product lines and achieve market penetration and profitable growth. The board is confident that Phil is the right leader for Skyworks as we work to deliver operational excellence, diversify our offerings, and seek to capture new opportunities across a range of markets.”
“Supported by a deep bench of talent and a broad array of capabilities, Skyworks has the ability to support customers with highly curated and cutting-edge solutions across many different industries,” said Mr. Brace. “I am honored to be stepping into the CEO role at this important time and have long admired Skyworks for its breakthrough communications platforms and strong solutions that enable the true potential of 5G and IoT. I’m eager to begin working with the board and management team to advance the company’s key priorities and drive value for our shareholders, customers and partners.”
King added, “We thank Liam for his leadership and significant contributions to Skyworks. We appreciate his support through the transition and wish him all the best.”
“It has been a privilege to be part of such a talented team for the last 23 years, and I look forward to seeing Skyworks prosper under Phil’s leadership,” said Mr. Griffin.
Earnings Call and Additional Information
In a separate release today, Skyworks reported its first quarter fiscal 2025 results and business outlook. The company will host a conference call and webcast at 4:30 p.m. EST to discuss its financial results and today’s announcement.
To listen to the conference call, please visit the investor relations section of Skyworks’ website at https://investors.skyworksinc.com/events-presentations. Playback of the conference call will be available on Skyworks’ website at www.skyworksinc.com/investors beginning at 9 p.m. EST on Feb. 5, 2025. Additionally, a transcript of the company’s prepared remarks will be made available on our website promptly after their conclusion during the call.
About Skyworks
Skyworks Solutions, Inc. is empowering the wireless networking revolution. We are a leading developer, manufacturer and provider of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and solutions for numerous applications, including aerospace, automotive, broadband, cellular infrastructure, connected home, defense, entertainment and gaming, industrial, medical, smartphone, tablet and wearables.
Skyworks is a global company with engineering, marketing, operations, sales and support facilities located throughout
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include information relating to future events, prospects, expectations and results of Skyworks (e.g., expectations for long-term growth, diversification of offerings, expansion into new markets and customers, and ability to conduct a smooth transition). Forward-looking statements can often be identified by words such as “continue,” “expects,” “intends,” “believes,” “plans,” “may,” or “will” and similar expressions and variations or negatives of these words. All such statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those projected and may affect our future operating results, financial position and cash flows.
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Skyworks’ control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include, but are not limited to, the risk that our chief executive officer transition is not successful for any reason, our ability to successfully execute on our strategy, and the risk factors set forth in Skyworks’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Note to Editors: Skyworks and the Skyworks symbol are trademarks or registered trademarks of Skyworks Solutions, Inc., or its subsidiaries in
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250205535165/en/
Media Relations:
Constance Griffiths
(949) 230-4867
Constance.Griffiths@skyworksinc.com
Investor Relations:
Raji Gill
(949) 508-0973
Raji.Gill@skyworksinc.com
Source: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
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