ARM CEO Warren East steps down

Warren East, CEO of semiconductor firm ARM, is retiring after almost 12 years in the leadership role.

Warren East – who was the winner of Computer Weekly’s UKtech50 in 2012 – started at ARM in 1994, when he was brought in to form a new consultancy business for the Cambridge-based company.

East rose to CEO in October 2001 and led ARM through a long period of growth, as it became the dominant force in the smartphone chip market – holding 95% market share in 2012 – and recording record profits in its last financial quarter.  

However, East has decided his time is up and will retire at the end of June 2013, with no clues to what he will do next.

"It has been a privilege to lead ARM during such a momentous and exciting time for our industry and I am proud of what the ARM team of employees and partners has achieved together while I have been CEO,” East said.

“ARM is a great company with a strong market position and a unique culture. We take a very long-term view about our business and we believe that now is the right time to bring in new leadership, to execute on the next phase of growth and plan even further into the future. “

East will be succeeded by Simon Segars, president of operations at ARM. 

Simon Segars joined the company in 1991 and has held a number of senior roles in the UK and abroad. He will begin in the top job on 1 July 2013.

"I am honoured to have been appointed to succeed Warren, who has achieved so much in his time leading the business,” said Segars. “Above all, Warren’s vision of the ARM business model and commitment to the ARM partnership has been inspirational and has created a tremendous platform for future growth.

“I am keen to lead the company into the next phase of growth, working even more closely with [ARM chairman] John Buchanan, the board, our employees and our customers as well as continuing to develop the ARM partnership."

East gave his backing to the new CEO, adding: “I have worked with Simon in the senior leadership team for many years and we share a global perspective and belief in the ARM approach to partnership and collaboration. 

"He is an excellent choice to lead ARM."