Advantest announces the appointment of a new Group CEO

The current CEO, Yoshiaki Yoshida will be stepping down from his duties, taking on a new role as chairman of the board.

Lefever will begin his new role as CEO at the start of Fiscal Year 2024. To support this transition, Corporate Vice President, Group Co-COO Koichi Tsukui will assume the role of President and Representative Director, managing business responsibilities for Advantest Japan and serving as Lefever’s second in command. These management changes are intended to facilitate Advantest’s progress and growth, keeping pace with the rapid expansion of the semiconductor industry. Advantest will launch its next mid-term management plan in FY2024 under this new management.

As semiconductor technology grows more complex, test plays an important role in enabling innovation. Under new leadership, Advantest will pursue opportunities to expand its business model in order to overcome present challenges and adapt to a dynamic market. This change in management will enable sustainable and robust growth, maturing Advantest into a global company that can cater to the evolving needs of customers and partners all over the world.

"I am both honoured and humbled to have been appointed as the CEO of the Advantest Group," said Lefever during a recent press conference. "This is a mission that comes with a great deal of responsibility, but I am fully committed to serving all of our customers, business partners, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders in the best way possible. While I look at new opportunities for our business, I remain dedicated to maintaining Advantest’s roots and values."

Doug Lefever joined Advantest in 1998 and has worked with the company for 25 years. Some of his greatest successes during his time at Advantest include championing the acquisitions of Verigy and Astronics. He will continue to reside in the US while attending board meetings in Japan and other events around the globe as necessary.