TSI Semiconductors Appoints New CEO

ROSEVILLE, Calif., April 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- TSI Semiconductors, LLC, a world-class specialty foundry offering flexible technology development and manufacturing services, today announced that Sagar Pushpala has been named its new CEO. Pushpala, who was most recently with Khosla Ventures and brings more than 25 years of experience managing technology development and supply-chain operations at leading analog and mixed-signal companies, will lead TSI as it expands its operations and R&D capabilities in the Silicon Valley area and around the world. In addition, today TSI also announced several new additions to its executive team.

TSI, formerly Telefunken Semiconductors International, is focused on providing its customers – from small startups to multi-billion dollar corporations – services with a personal touch. Located in close proximity to its customers' design and engineering teams, TSI intends to drive innovation closer to home by enabling customers to develop unique technologies and IP onsite with its advanced fab equipment. TSI also offers greater flexibility than traditional foundries, enabling customers to choose from off-the-shelf solutions, port technology from other wafer fabs or jointly develop technology in partnership with expert technologists in TSI's R&D organization, Technology, Development & Commercialization Services (TDCS).

"Having previously been on the customer end of the technology development and manufacturing process in the analog and mixed-signal space, I know how important it is to have a strong working relationship with a foundry partner," said Pushpala. "TSI's model, which encourages close engagement with its customers and brings technology development and manufacturing closer to home, is a key differentiator and a strong foundation for the company's growth.  I look forward to nurturing the environment for innovation that TSI has created and working with the newly appointed executive team to achieve our goals."

Pushpala's wide-ranging experience — from technology development to manufacturing — gives him a well-rounded view on how to innovate, adapt to environments and serve customers that are on the leading edge of technology. For more than a quarter century, Pushpala has held executive and senior-level operations, engineering and technology management positions at such analog mixed-signal companies as Intersil, Maxim Integrated Products, National Semiconductor, Saratoga Semiconductor and Advanced Micro Devices. Most recently an operating partner at Khosla Ventures, he continues to serve in board and advisory roles for many system and medical device companies. In addition, he has held board positions in various industry consortiums, including the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) and the Fab Owners Association (FOA).

"Sagar has an impressive background, with deep experience and an intellectual curiosity about what businesses need to do to succeed," said Michael Gontar, chairman of TSI and chief investment officer and a director at Wafra Capital Partners Inc. "With his strong knowledge of the semiconductor industry and a wide network, Sagar is ideally suited to drive the company's growth strategically and lead the strong team we have put into place."

About TSI Semiconductors, LLC
TSI Semiconductors, LLC is a world-class, specialty foundry offering flexible technology development and the highest industry quality manufacturing solutions for projects ranging from the smallest to very large lot sizes. With its 8-inch fabrication plant in Roseville, Calif., and 6-inch fabrication facility in Heilbronn, Germany, TSI can manufacture in a large array of versatile processes that include analog/mixed-signal, deep-submicron, high-voltage BCDMOS, including SOI for power management applications, and solutions such as novel materials structures and devices. Technology Development & Commercialization Services (TDCS), TSI's research and development organization, provides dedicated fab equipment to enable customers to manage their own development activities. For more information, visit www.tsisemi.com.

SOURCE TSI Semiconductors, LLC