The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), which represents 98% of the US semiconductor industry by revenue and nearly two-third of non-US chip firms, board of directors have elected Qualcomm Incorporated’s (NASDAQ: QCOM) CEO Cristiano Amon as its 2022 chair. Silicon Labs’ (NASDAQ: SLAB) Matt Johnson was elected SIA’s vice chair.
“We’re very excited to welcome Cristiano Amon as SIA chair as we strive to advance important new government policies that promote growth and innovation throughout our industry, which is foundational to economic growth and national security,” said John Neuffer, SIA president and CEO. “Cristiano’s strong background in engineering and deep knowledge of the industry make him an ideal champion for our priorities, both in Washington and in capitals around the world.”
Cristiano joined Qualcomm in 1995 as an engineer. During his tenure, he helped shaped the strategic direction for the company in several leadership roles. He served as the president of Qualcomm before becoming its CEO. As the president, he steered development of a leading and differentiated product roadmap, spearheaded Qualcomm’s 5G strategy and its acceleration and global roll out. He also drove the expansion and diversification of the business to serve multiple industries.
Before Qualcomm, Cristiano served as the CTO of a wireless operator in Brazil, Vesper. He also help various leadership positions at NEC, Ericsson, and Velcom.
“I look forward to serving as chair of SIA, an association that is as important and influential now as it has ever been in its 45-year history,” Amon said. “This is one of the most critical times for our industry as semiconductors become absolutely essential to America’s economic strength, national security, and global technology leadership. I’m eager to continue to work alongside my colleagues on key policy priorities to strengthen this important and strategic sector.”
