What are semiconductor executives and board parts stressed over generally at this moment? How to market rightly for the upcoming combining wave? Where to place those huge process technology wagers? Getting that cutting edge chipset done on time?
We accept its none of the above. Our exploration demonstrates that the major concern today, and for the years ahead, is not in the vicinity of a cutting edge item -its about cutting edge authority. To survive and flourish in the realm of today and tomorrow, each semiconductor organization needs extraordinary pioneers. Actually sagacious executives, modern in worldwide business, ready to handle quickly moving markets and focused strengths.
The immediate outlook for the global semiconductor industry remains challenging, given the current economic downturn and the rapid softening of end-product demand, particularly for PCs, handsets, servers, and consumer electronics. In 2008, global sales of semiconductors experienced the first year-on-year drop in sales since 2001. Global sales in 2008 totaled $250 billion, a decrease of 2.8 percent compared to 2007. Sales in December 2008 fell 22 percent to $17 billion, from $22 billion in December 2007. Industry forecasts project a continuing decline in global sales in 2009, with estimates in the 20–30 percent range, though growth is likely to pick up modestly in 2010.
In the long term, positive growth is expected in the global semiconductor industry as the newer technologies are adopted in new product categories such as solar, automotive, and consumer electronics, and demand for electronic products continues to grow, particularly in the emerging markets of BRIC and the Eastern European countries. While navigating the current choppy waters remains a top priority, semiconductor companies will also need to think deeply about how to enhance their strategic position vis-à-vis the competition so as to be able to seize opportunities once growth takes off. Having the right talent onboard will certainly form a key plank of this strategy.
What skills are needed now?
Investing in the right talent will help companies survive the current economic turmoil and emerge stronger from it. With its fast-paced technology environment, high intensity of R&D, tight cost structures, stiff competition, and dynamic, highly volatile industry cycles, the global semiconductor industry will require business leaders and senior managers with a unique set of skills. Business agility, a strong focus on constant innovation, and the ability to provide robust leadership, whilst maintaining strong operational controls and further developing key customer relationships, are valuable skills that continue to be in demand, especially during the current period.
How can Boyen Haddin support the semiconductors industry?
With a profound understanding of the entire value chain of the global semiconductor industry, our global network of specialized technology experts works with our clients to identify areas of talent management where changes could provide the greatest value-added, and help to develop solutions. With close to a century of combined experience in C-suite and senior executive searches, board consulting and talent management and management appraisal, our dedicated technology team have acted as consultants to some of the world’s largest multinationals and to fast-growing up-and-comers in businesses including semiconductor foundry, fabless/IC design, integrated device manufacturing, semiconductor equipment manufacturing and electronic manufacturing service.
How we operate
To date, we have worked on a great many assignments globally, including numerous critical leadership mandates for Fortune 500 companies, with strong competencies in general management and critical functions such as R&D, operations, engineering, and sales and services management. We proactively identify opportunities for our clients and are ready to respond swiftly to their strategic needs. Applying our proven principles of talent management methodology, we ensure timely delivery of consistent results to our clients.
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