Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) president and CEO Brian Toohey has announced his plans to leave the association in 2014 to join New Hampshire-based DEKA Research & Development Corporation as executive vice president. At the Board’s request, Toohey has agreed to remain at SIA through mid-2014 until a successor is in place to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been a true honor and distinct privilege to represent this amazing industry and advocate for policies that have strengthened the semiconductor sector and the overall U.S. economy,” said Toohey. “Industry participation in SIA has never been greater and the U.S. semiconductor industry has continued to drive America’s economic strength, national security, and global competitiveness. I sincerely appreciate the support of the SIA Board of Directors and staff and am confident SIA is well positioned for the future.”
In his new role at DEKA, Toohey will continue to pursue his focus on innovation by guiding the commercialization of new medical, energy, and water purification technologies around the world. Prior to joining SIA, Toohey served as senior vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and held senior management positions at AirCell, Inc., Iridium LLC, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“Brian Toohey joined SIA at a time of transition for the association and our industry,” said Dr. John E. Kelly III, IBM senior vice president and director of research, and 2014 SIA chairman. “During his tenure, SIA has built a top-notch team, and achieved a number of policy successes that have driven growth, enhanced productivity, and will spur future innovation. We greatly appreciate Brian’s outstanding leadership and service to our industry and wish him success as he moves to a new role.”
During Toohey’s tenure at SIA, the association successfully led efforts to strengthen the industry’s position on international trade issues, negotiate balanced EPA regulations, update export controls regulations, reshape key technology partnerships with government and universities, increase programs to combat counterfeiting, and ensure semiconductor priorities are fully reflected in ongoing immigration and tax reform efforts.
“SIA has a long history of driving policies and programs to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. chip industry,” said Brian Krzanich, Intel Corporation CEO, and 2014 SIA vice-chairman. “Under Brian’s leadership the association successfully advanced that mission. I commend him on a job well done, and the positive impact that he has had on our industry.”
“Brian has been a terrific leader of our association,” said Rich Templeton, chairman, president and CEO of Texas Instruments and member of the SIA Board of Directors. “He has strengthened SIA’s brand with policymakers in the United States and abroad and is leaving the association well positioned for future success. His counsel to the Board will be missed.”
The SIA Board will initiate a search process led by Altera Corporation chairman, president and CEO John Daane to appoint a new CEO.