Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), a leading provider of silicon, software and solutions for a smarter, more connected world, today announced Serena Townsend, formerly vice president of Human Resources, has been promoted to senior vice president and chief people officer. Townsend’s promotion is effective immediately and includes responsibility for the company’s global talent strategy, people programs, and values-driven, inclusive culture.
Lori Knowlton, previously senior vice president and chief people officer, is leaving Silicon Labs to focus on family and pursue other interests.
“I want to extend our best wishes and deepest thanks to Lori Knowlton for the outstanding contributions she made to our business and culture,” said Tyson Tuttle, CEO of Silicon Labs. “Lori played a key role fostering our winning culture with a focus on diversity and inclusion. She also helped build a world-class recruiting team which has attracted the best and the brightest talent to Silicon Labs.”
“I’m thrilled to promote Serena Townsend to chief people officer,” continued Tuttle. “Since joining Silicon Labs in early 2017, Serena has had a positive impact on many fronts, including global talent acquisition, deepening our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and ensuring continuity during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Under Serena’s leadership, I’m confident that our global culture and employee initiatives are in excellent hands.”
Townsend joined Silicon Labs in February 2017 as director, HR business partners. She was promoted to vice president, HR business partners in March 2020. Before joining Silicon Labs, Townsend held various HR leadership positions at companies including Samsung Austin Semiconductor and HomeAway (Expedia). She holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas (UT), is a UT distinguished college scholar, and volunteers for organizations including Crossing Thresholds and Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas.