News: Microelectronics
11 February 2025
Power Integrations’ CEO Balu Balakrishnan to retire
Power Integrations Inc of San Jose, CA, USA (which provides high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion) says that Balu Balakrishnan, CEO since 2002, is retiring from that role once a successor is in place. The board of directors has retained an executive search firm to assist in identifying its next CEO. Balakrishnan, 70, intends to serve as executive chairman of the board for as long as is needed to ensure a smooth transition to his successor, and is expected to remain on the board of directors thereafter.
Picture: Power Integrations’ CEO Balu Balakrishnan.
Balakrishnan joined Power Integrations in 1989, shortly after its formation, from National Semiconductor, where he was a product line manager. He is the inventor of many Power Integrations products including TOPSwitch, its first commercial product, followed by TinySwitch, the first product to feature the firm’s EcoSmart technology for reducing standby-power waste. Balakrishnan served in a succession of executive roles before being named president & chief operating officer in 2001. In 2002 he was named CEO and joined the board of directors. He has been awarded more than 200 US patents. Awards include the Discover Award for Technological Innovation in recognition of the environmental benefits of EcoSmart technology.
“While it is time for me to turn over leadership of the company to a new CEO, I remain as passionate as ever about the work we are doing,” says Balakrishnan. “We have a talented, dedicated workforce and a promising array of products and technologies with which to pursue growth opportunities in a broad range of end-markets.”
“Balu is not only one of the great inventors in the history of the power semiconductor industry, but also an outstanding leader who has built a durable franchise with strong intellectual property, a deep reservoir of engineering talent and a culture that nurtures innovation,” comments lead independent director Bala Iyer.
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