The leadership team at Qualcomm is the driving force behind the company's strategic direction and key decision-making processes. They ensure that every move aligns with Qualcomm's mission, fostering a culture of innovation and growth that keeps the company at the forefront of the tech industry.
Bringing together expertise from various fields, this team excels in operational excellence and collaboration. Their diverse backgrounds and unified vision enable Qualcomm to navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities with confidence.
1) Akash Palkhiwala
Akash Palkhiwala serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Qualcomm, where he oversees the company's financial strategy and operational efficiency. His role is pivotal in driving Qualcomm's financial health and ensuring seamless operations across various business units.
Since joining Qualcomm, Akash has made significant contributions, including his leadership in the QCT (Chip Business Unit) and his strategic financial oversight as SVP & Treasurer. His efforts have been instrumental in navigating the company through complex financial landscapes and fostering growth.
Akash's background includes an MBA in Finance from the University of Maryland and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from L.D. College of Engineering. His extensive experience, from being a Private Equity Analyst at Key Principal Partners to various leadership roles at Qualcomm, equips him with a unique blend of financial acumen and operational expertise. For more details, visit Qualcomm CFO.
2) Cristiano R. Amon
Cristiano R. Amon serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer at Qualcomm, where he is responsible for driving the company's strategic vision and overseeing its global operations. His expertise lies in spearheading innovation and ensuring Qualcomm remains a leader in the tech industry.
Since joining Qualcomm, Cristiano has held various leadership roles, including President and President of QCT, Qualcomm Technologies Inc. His professional journey is marked by a strong background in electrical engineering, which he honed at UNICAMP - Universidade Estadual de Campinas in Brazil.
Cristiano's leadership has been pivotal in advancing Qualcomm's technological initiatives and expanding its market presence. His strategic direction and operational oversight have significantly impacted the company's growth and innovation trajectory.
3) Heather Ace
Heather Ace serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Qualcomm, where she is responsible for overseeing the company's global human resources strategy and operations. Her contributions include driving talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development to support Qualcomm's growth and innovation.
Heather's career spans various leadership roles in human resources, including positions at Dexcom, Orexigen Therapeutics, and Philips. Her extensive experience in HR management and employment law equips her with specialized skills that are crucial for navigating complex organizational challenges and fostering a positive workplace culture.
At Qualcomm, Heather manages a diverse team dedicated to enhancing employee experiences and implementing strategic HR initiatives. Her leadership in these areas ensures that Qualcomm attracts and retains top talent, aligning the workforce with the company's long-term objectives.
4) James H. Thompson
James H. Thompson serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., where he is responsible for driving the company's technological advancements and overseeing its research and development initiatives. His expertise in front-end development and extensive experience in the tech industry make him a pivotal figure in Qualcomm's innovation strategy.
Before joining Qualcomm, James held significant roles such as Lead Front End Developer at Qualcomm, Senior Frontend Developer at Wunderman Thompson, and Freelance Web Developer. His professional journey is marked by notable successes in web development and project management, contributing to Qualcomm's leadership in the tech sector.
5) Don McGuire
Don McGuire serves as the Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President at Qualcomm, where he is responsible for overseeing the company's global marketing strategies and initiatives. His role involves driving brand growth, enhancing market presence, and leading innovative marketing campaigns that align with Qualcomm's strategic objectives.
With a career spanning over three decades, Don has held various leadership positions, including roles at Intel Corporation, Panelfly, and Kyocera Wireless Corp. His extensive experience in global marketing and product management has been instrumental in launching successful marketing initiatives and fostering brand recognition across diverse markets.
6) Ann Cathcart Chaplin
Ann Cathcart Chaplin serves as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Qualcomm, where she oversees the company's legal affairs and corporate governance. Her expertise includes managing complex legal issues and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Before joining Qualcomm, Ann held various senior legal positions at General Motors, where she contributed significantly to transformation initiatives and corporate securities. Her career also includes leadership roles at Fish & Richardson P.C. and Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P., showcasing her extensive experience in litigation and corporate law.
7) Alex Rogers
Alex Rogers serves as the President of Qualcomm Technology Licensing and Global Affairs at Qualcomm, where he oversees the company's licensing business and global legal affairs. His expertise lies in managing complex legal and business strategies that drive Qualcomm's growth and innovation.
Alex's career at Qualcomm began in 2001 as Senior Vice President & Legal Counsel, a role he held until 2016 before transitioning to his current position. Prior to joining Qualcomm, he was a Partner at Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich, and he holds a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and a Master of Arts & Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Georgetown University.
8) Jeff Torrance
Jeff Torrance serves as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Connected Smart Systems at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., where he oversees the development and management of industrial and embedded IoT solutions. His expertise lies in driving innovation and strategic growth within the IoT sector, ensuring Qualcomm remains a leader in this rapidly evolving field.
Jeff's extensive background includes roles such as Senior Vice President of Product Management and VP of Business Development at Qualcomm, as well as various leadership positions at CSR and UbiNetics. His significant achievements include spearheading key projects and initiatives that have advanced Qualcomm's IoT capabilities and market presence.
9) Roawen Chen
Roawen Chen serves as the Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., where he is responsible for overseeing the company's global supply chain and operational strategies. His key skills include strategic planning, operational efficiency, and supply chain management, which are crucial for maintaining Qualcomm's competitive edge in the tech industry.
With a robust background that spans roles at Marvell Technology, TSMC, and Intel, Roawen brings extensive experience in manufacturing and operations. His leadership has significantly impacted Qualcomm's supply chain initiatives, ensuring seamless operations and fostering innovation across various teams.
10) Christian Block
Christian Block serves as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of RF Front-End (RFFE) at Qualcomm, where he is responsible for overseeing the development and management of RFFE technologies. His role is pivotal in driving innovation and ensuring Qualcomm's leadership in the RF front-end market.
Before joining Qualcomm in 2017, Christian held significant positions at TDK Corporation and EPCOS, where he served as Corporate Officer and Chief Technology Officer, respectively. His extensive background in technology and management, coupled with his education from Technische Universität Braunschweig, equips him with the expertise needed to lead Qualcomm's RFFE initiatives effectively.
Qualcomm Org Chart
At the top of Qualcomm's organizational chart is Cristiano R. Amon, the President and Chief Executive Officer, who drives the company's strategic vision and oversees global operations. Reporting directly to him are key executives including Akash Palkhiwala, the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and James H. Thompson, the Chief Technology Officer, both of whom play crucial roles in financial strategy, operational efficiency, and technological advancements.
Supporting this leadership are Heather Ace, the Chief Human Resources Officer, and Don McGuire, the Chief Marketing Officer, who ensure that talent acquisition, employee engagement, and global marketing strategies align with Qualcomm's mission. Additionally, Ann Cathcart Chaplin, the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and Alex Rogers, the President of Qualcomm Technology Licensing and Global Affairs, manage the company's legal affairs and licensing business, furthering Qualcomm's growth and compliance.
Further down the hierarchy, Jeff Torrance, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Connected Smart Systems, and Roawen Chen, the Chief Supply Chain and Operations Officer, oversee IoT solutions and supply chain strategies, respectively. Christian Block, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of RF Front-End, focuses on RFFE technologies, ensuring Qualcomm's leadership in this market. Together, these executives collaborate to maintain Qualcomm's competitive edge and drive innovation across various sectors.