East steps down at ‘the right time’
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Warren East says it's the right time to step down as ARM's ceo. Speaking on a conference call, East said it had been a great privilege to lead ARM. "We have built an exceptional company," he claimed. "When I took over as ceo, we had one processor line for mobile phones. Today, it's hard to imagine a world without ARM technology."
East says his decision, which has been building for a year, is the best for ARM. "Now is the right time for a new ceo who can ready the business for the next 20 years and beyond. We're planning for the things to drive ARM in 2020 and beyond. I would have been ceo for too long by then and it wouldn't have been healthy. When you combine that with making the change when business is good and on the brink of significant new opportunities, it's the right time."
According to East, the decision to appoint Simon Segars as ceo followed a worldwide search. "He's an excellent choice," he noted, "and I will enjoy watching the group thrive under his leadership."
Segars said: "It's a huge honour to succeed Warren; his vision and commitment has been inspirational and it has been a privilege to be part of his team. ARM's success is down to its collaborative approach and I will continue this." Segars added that ARM is about evolution and change is the norm.
Asked about his future, East was cautious with his reply. "I haven't got anything to tell you," he said. "I'm passionate about technology and will stay connected with the semiconductor industry. I'm also passionate about UK technology and I hope to be able to do things which are complementary to ARM to further the success of UK technology." But he emphasised his break with ARM would be 'clean'. "I have spent a lot of time with ARM and won't do anything which makes it vulnerable," he concluded.
