Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), a leading global semiconductor research consortium, today announced the appointment of industry veteran Todd Younkin as President and Chief Executive Officer. Younkin’s appointment was made by SRC’s Board of Directors. Younkin will start transitioning to his new role on August 18, 2020.
Younkin is currently Executive Director of SRC’s Joint University Microelectronics Program (JUMP), where he has engineered, launched, and led all programmatic aspects of the public-private partnership between industry, government, and academia. That research initiative emphasizes the advancement of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Materials Science to secure continued U.S. thought leadership in the global semiconductor industry.
Prior to SRC, Younkin held senior technical positions at Intel Corporation and brings a wealth of knowledge in technology innovation, including extensive research and development expertise spanning Intel’s 180nm to 5nm nodes. While at Intel, Younkin was an assignee to IMEC, an international semiconductor R&D hub, gaining invaluable experience by working closely within the consortium to help move Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) into commercialization. He holds a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida.
“The challenges facing the semiconductor industry today are as exciting and demanding as ever before. At the same time, AI, 5G+, and Quantum Computing promise to provide unfathomable gains and benefits for humanity. The need for research investments that bring these technology advances to bear is paramount,” said Gil Vandentop, SRC Chairman of the Board. “Todd has demonstrated an ability to bring organizations together, tackle common research causes, and advance technologies into industry. He has a clear vision to take SRC to the next level. I am delighted that Todd has accepted this challenge and will become the next SRC CEO.”
“I am honored to lead SRC, a one-of-a-kind consortium with incredible potential and exceptionally talented people. Together, we will deliver on SRC’s mission to bring the best minds together to achieve the unimaginable,” said Younkin. “SRC is well-positioned to meet our commitment to SRC members, employees, and stakeholders by paving the way for the semiconductor industry. Our strong values, unique innovation model, and unflinching commitment to our members are core SRC principles that we will maintain as we move forward.”
Ken Hansen, SRC’s current President and CEO, indicated earlier to the Board that he would be retiring in 2020 provided that a solid succession plan was in place. SRC’s Board of Directors has conducted a structured search process for CEO succession, working closely with Hansen to develop internal candidates and identify external candidates. That process culminated with SRC’s Board deciding to appoint Younkin.
“During the past five years, we have rejuvenated SRC by significantly expanding the size and scope of our research investments while adding 11 key industry partners,” said Hansen. “I leave knowing SRC will always be a part of me, that SRC has made me a better leader, and with great confidence in the choice of Todd Younkin to succeed me. I look forward to working with him on a smooth transition and wish him great success in his new role.”
“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors I would like to thank Ken for his extensive contributions to SRC and our industry,” said Vandentop. “Ken’s loyalty, commitment, and deep personal integrity have served as an example for all of SRC.”
Hansen will leave his current position on August 31, 2020. During his tenure as CEO of SRC, Hansen led a turnaround that reestablished SRC as the leading research consortium in the semiconductor industry and culminated in record financial performance.
“Todd is the right person to lead SRC in the coming years,” said Mukesh Khare, previous SRC Chairman of the Board and Head of the Search Committee. “I look forward to working closely with him and SRC’s leadership team to build an even stronger company, one well positioned to meet the research needs of the future.”
“SRC is a major driving force behind the university research that spurs innovation in the semiconductor industry and throughout our economy,” said John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). “We thank Ken for his years of service and dedication to our industry and look forward to working with Todd as we continue to advance semiconductor research priorities with policymakers in Washington.”
