Major Executive Search Places CEO at Sivers Semiconductors

October 1, 2024 – Rancho Santa Fe, CA-based executive search firm Major Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Vickram Vathulya as president and chief executive officer for Sivers Semiconductors AB in Kista, Sweden. He succeeds Anders Storm. “Vickram’s leadership qualities and industry expertise are exactly what Sivers was looking for in this CEO appointment in order to accelerate our aggressive growth strategy in the U.S. and worldwide,” said Bami Bastani, recently appointed chairman of the board for the Sivers Semiconductors. “His proven ability to deliver profitable growth and build high-performance teams will be invaluable as we aim to cement our position as a leader in advanced semiconductor and photonic solutions.“
“The appointment of Dr. Vathulya comes at an exciting time for Sivers, as the company gains significant market momentum in Satcom, 5G and AI photonics,” the company said. “During the first six months of 2024 the company announced multiple new customer wins, including two major satellite communication deals valued at $7.6 million and a $1.3 million collaboration with a strategic customer to develop photonic chipsets for AI solutions. During 2023 the company grew net revenue by 80 percent, and continues to see significant growth in product revenue in 2024.”
Dr. Vathulya brings over 25 years of experience in the semiconductor industry with a proven track record in building strategically sound businesses backed by strong organizational talent while navigating complex market dynamics to lead Sivers through its next phase of growth. As CEO, Vathulya will leverage his senior leadership experience, extensive network, and deep understanding of the semiconductor industry to drive Sivers’ strategic initiatives worldwide.
Dr. Vathulya most recently served as president of Nuvotronics, spearheading a strategic, operational, and cultural transformation for long-term growth and value creation. Prior to that, he helped revitalize the standard products business at Maxim Semiconductors, the largest and most profitable business in the company portfolio. His experience also includes other executive leadership roles, such as growing a variety of RF and wireless businesses at Maxim Integrated and NXP Semiconductors. Dr. Vathulya has a PhD in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Berkeley Haas School of Business, University of California.
“I’m excited to join Sivers and work alongside our talented wireless and photonics leaders, teams and innovative customers to expand our footprint in the global markets, driving the next phase of our growth journey,” said Dr. Vathulya. “Our portfolio of RF products for Satcom and 5G systems and optical products for AI computing and sensing demonstrates the truly cutting-edge capability Sivers brings to the market. With several marquee customers recently selecting Sivers for their solutions, I am confident the company is on the cusp of remarkable growth and shareholder value creation.”
Sivers Semiconductors AB is a leader in Satcom, 5G, 6G, photonics, and silicon photonics that drives innovation in global communications and sensor technology. Its business units, photonics and wireless, supply integrated chips and modules critical for high-performance gigabit wireless and optical networks.
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Major Executive Search is a technology-focused, global retained search firm, focusing on the selection of board members, C-level executives, SVP/vice presidents, and director-level executives. CEO Susan Major has spent more than a decade establishing Major Executive Search as a leading boutique firm, placing hundreds of executives for Fortune 500 global and mid-sized organizations, as well as venture capital and private equity-funded companies. The firm specializes in placing senior executives in the mobile technology space.
Past Assignment
Major Executive Search recently recruited Neville Meijers as the new CEO of Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the organization that oversees Bluetooth technology. Mr. Meijers’ background includes terms in senior executive positions around the world, from large multinational conglomerates to high-growth startups. At Qualcomm Technologies he led the development of private LTE/5G networks for the Industrial Internet of Things. As the chief executive officer for Naspers Limited operations in China, Neville was responsible for all internet investments in China, helping transform the internet and entertainment group into a multibillion-dollar, global operation. Most recently, as chief commercial officer at JMA Wireless.
“Bluetooth technology has transformed the way we connect and communicate,” said Dr. Vathulya. “It is the most pervasive wireless technology in the world, and I’m honored to be entrusted with leading the Bluetooth SIG into its next chapter of growth and innovation. Having dedicated most of my career to incubating and developing wireless technologies and businesses, Bluetooth is ingrained in my DNA. Joining the Bluetooth SIG provides a unique opportunity to be part of something truly special in the world of wireless technology and I’m excited to collaborate with the talented team and our pioneering member community to continue to drive the vision of a connected world, free from wires.”
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media