ARM Holdings Announces CEO Succession

Warren East joined ARM in 1994 to establish the company’s consulting business and later became VP of business operations. Within three years he was appointed to the Board as Chief Operating Officer. Warren became ARM’s CEO in October 2001 and under his leadership ARM has become the foremost designer of semiconductor IP in the world, providing processor technology for nearly all mobile phones and many other consumer and industrial electronic devices in use today.

Simon Segars, 45, joined the Board in January 2005, is President of ARM, and has operational responsibility for the company’s IP divisions. Simon has been with ARM since 1991 and has held several executive roles including EVP Engineering, when he worked on many of the early ARM processors, as well as EVP Worldwide Sales and EVP Business Development. He has international leadership experience having held senior positions for ARM in both the UK and the USA.

Warren East said, It has been a privilege to lead ARM during such a momentous and exciting time for our industry and I am proud of what the ARM team of employees and partners has achieved together while I have been CEO; ARM is a great company with a strong market position and a unique culture. We take a very long-term view about our business, and we believe that now is the right time to bring in new leadership, to execute on the next phase of growth and to plan even further into the future. I have worked with Simon in the senior leadership team for many years and we share a global perspective and belief in the ARM approach to partnership and collaboration; he is an excellent choice to lead ARM.

John Buchanan, Chairman of ARM Holdings plc, said, Warren has transformed ARM during his time as CEO. In 2001 ARM had one processor product line found mainly in mobile phones. Now ARM provides the broadest portfolio of technologies in the industry, used by more than 300 semiconductor customers in nearly 9 billion chips last year. During Warren’s tenure the company has received royalties for over 40 billion ARM-based chips. As CEO he has created a strong platform for growth and consistently created value for shareholders even in a challenging external environment. On behalf of the Board, and the wider ARM team, deep thanks are due to Warren for his passion, service and leadership.

The Board is delighted to have someone of Simon Segars’ experience and calibre within ARM to appoint to the role of CEO. Following an extensive review of candidates worldwide, Simon’s proven technology expertise and management skills across a range of senior executive roles make him an excellent CEO candidate and highly qualified to take the company forward. The Board looks forward to continuing to work with Simon to build on the strong momentum that has been created over the past years.

Simon Segars said, I am honoured to have been appointed to succeed Warren, who has achieved so much in his time leading the business. Above all, Warren’s vision of the ARM business model and commitment to the ARM partnership has been inspirational and has created a tremendous platform for future growth. I am keen to lead the Company into the next phase of growth, working even more closely with John, the Board, our employees and our customers as well as continuing to develop the ARM partnership.