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Phil Hester, Bringing 30 Years Of Experience In Advanced Computing 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 —
SUNNYVALE, CA -- September 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™ 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 www.amd.com.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the future launch of AMD processor products and market share growth, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that the forward-looking statements in this release involve risks and uncertainties that could cause delay in product launches or different results for market share outlook that could differ materially from the company’s current expectations. Risks that the company considers to be the important factors that could cause delay in product launches or different results for market share outlook to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements include the possibility that Intel Corporation’s pricing, marketing programs, product bundling, new product introductions or other activities targeting the company’s processor business will prevent attainment of the company’s future processor sales plans; that demand for computers, and, in turn, demand for the company’s processors will be lower than currently expected; that adoption of AMD64 products by OEMs will not continue to occur as
expected; that the company may not achieve its current product and technology introduction or implementation schedules; that the company will not be able to raise sufficient capital to enable it to establish leading-edge capacity to maintain its market leadership positions and that solutions providers will not timely provide the infrastructure to support the company’s AMD64 technology. We urge investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 26, 2004 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 2005.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Opteron and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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