ENGINEERING

AMD announced the formation of the Microprocessor Solutions Sector (MSS), a new division that consolidates the company's existing microprocessor businesses under a single, more customer-focused organization. The realignment strengthens AMD's ability to bring the benefits of AMD64 processor technology to a wider range of customers and markets around the world, and targets the x86 embedded processor and consumer electronics spaces as vital components of the company's business strategy. The formation of the Microprocessor Solutions Sector is accompanied by two key changes to AMD's executive management team. Dirk Meyer, previously executive vice president of the Computation Products Group (CPG), has been promoted to president and COO of MSS - a role that gives him profit and loss responsibility for all of AMD's microprocessor business. In addition, Henri Richard has been promoted to the position of chief sales and marketing officer of AMD. "Today's announcement further sharpens AMD's laser-like focus on the microprocessor leadership opportunities we have in front of us and will help us to change the competitive balance in an industry that has long demanded it," said Hector Ruiz, AMD chairman of the board, president and CEO. "I look forward to working with Dirk and Henri in their new roles as we continue and extend AMD's innovative leadership and market momentum." Under AMD's new executive leadership structure, Meyer will oversee all financial, business and technology aspects of AMD's processor business. In addition he will focus all MSS activities - including processor manufacturing, operations, R&D, hardware and software vendor relations, and product and platform definition - on near-term roadmaps and long-term innovation. Meyer will also drive AMD's strategy for extending the benefits of the company's technology to the emerging "Digital Life" markets. Working in concert with Meyer, Richard will define and lead AMD's worldwide go-to-market, external branding and communications strategies. This includes leading the company's global, regional, and channel sales and marketing efforts for all AMD products and solutions, and evolving AMD's corporate and products brands to ensure they align with customer requirements and the company's business strategy.