Exar Organizes to Further Support Growth Markets

FREMONT, Calif., April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Exar Corporation (NYSE: EXAR), a leading supplier of high performance analog mixed-signal components, video and data management solutions, today announced a number of important organizational changes and expansion of executive responsibilities. These strategic moves will streamline new product development and enhance focus on high-value growth opportunities.

Louis DiNardo, President and CEO of Exar, commented, "These changes are part of our ongoing strategy to cultivate best-in-class product solutions and management leadership, whether internally developed or through acquisitions. We are consolidating all of our product lines under two exceptional leaders, which will ensure the maximum efficiency in developing new products, and focusing our marketing activities on the best opportunities. We are also creating a new role to better position the company in the marketplace, provide maximum visibility for our new product offerings, drive future organic growth, and aid in corporate business development activities."

Parviz Ghaffaripour, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Component Products, now has expanded responsibilities to include all of Exar's component IC product lines. He will manage the Power Management, Connectivity and High-Performance Analog business. Mr. Ghaffaripour joined Exar in May of 2013 and has over 29 years of experience leading the development of analog mixed signal solutions and building profitable growth businesses. Most recently as the CEO of Akros Silicon, Mr. Ghaffaripour held senior management positions at Advanced Analogic Technologies (Acquired by Skyworks), Maxim, and National Semiconductor. Mr. Ghaffaripour started his career at Exar as an analog IC designer in 1984.

Craig Lytle was named Senior Vice President of System Solutions. This business unit is a consolidation of the Stretch line of video processing solutions and the Exar Data Compression and Security product lines. With this new focus, Mr. Lytle is well suited to lead the development and marketing of these high-value system chips, board, and software solutions. Mr. Lytle joined Exar in January of 2014 as part of the Stretch acquisition, and brings over 20 years of experience in the development and marketing of complex SOC, software, and FPGA solutions. Prior to Stretch, Mr. Lytle was at Altera Corporation for 19 years during which he was instrumental in founding their IP business unit, developing innovative chip architectures, and providing vertical market solutions.

Robert K. Beachler was named to the new position of Vice President of Corporate Marketing and Business Development, reporting to Mr. DiNardo. In this role, Mr. Beachler is responsible for marketing communications, public relations, and aiding corporate business development activities. Mr. Beachler joined Exar through the Stretch acquisition, where he was Vice President of Marketing, Operations, and Systems Design for the past 7 years. Prior to Stretch, Mr. Beachler was at Altera for 16 years where he held several positions, including leading applications engineering, product planning, corporate marketing, software marketing, and corporate business development.

About Exar
Exar Corporation designs, develops, and markets high performance, analog mixed-signal integrated circuits and advanced sub-system solutions for the Networking & Storage, Industrial & Embedded Systems, and Communications Infrastructure markets.  Exar's product portfolio includes power management and connectivity components, communications products, high performance analog mixed-signal products, video, and network security and storage optimization solutions. Exar has locations worldwide providing real-time customer support.  For more information about Exar, visit http://www.exar.com.

SOURCE Exar Corporation