Dec. 16, 2002 – Sunnyvale, CA – Advanced Micro Devices has reorganized its flash memory chip operations as it attempts to take better advantage of increased memory needs in advanced electronics products, reports CBS MarketWatch.

AMD created an embedded products unit and a wireless products unit within the company’s memory group, whose executive ranks were also reshuffled. AMD said it made the changes in flash memory in order to focus development efforts around customers’ needs.

Embedded memory chips are used in products such as car navigation systems, home entertainment systems, networking gear, and telecom equipment. Wireless memory chips, used in cell phones, are becoming more prevalent as the latest handsets handle larger data loads.

AMD has been streamlining its operations in an attempt to stem losses and improve its financial position. The company lost $254 million on sales of $508 million during the previous quarter.

Executives have pegged AMD’s breakeven point at around $875 million in quarterly sales but say that this level is likely to come down to $775 million by the second quarter of 2003 due to job cuts, other cost savings, and reductions in capital expenditures.

AMD has made some executive personnel changes. The company named Amir Mashkoori as VP and general manager of the embedded business unit, as well as general manager of the wireless business unit. Stephen Lapinski was named VP of system engineering and strategic alliances for the entire memory group. Ian Williams was named VP of customer operations for the memory group.