LIAM K. GRIFFIN
Chief Executive, President
Skyworks Solutions Inc.
Irvine
Born in Brookline, Mass.
Age: 52
Lives in San Clemente
WHY: Runs chipmaker that’s OC’s third-largest public company, with recent $15 billion market cap. Provides Apple with mobile communications systems and radio frequency semiconductors.
HOW: Started career in product management, process engineering at AT&T. Previously vice president worldwide sales at Dover Corp. Joined Alpha Industries in 2001, just before its merger with wireless communications business of Newport Beach-based chipmaker Conexant Systems in Irvine. Combined entity renamed Skyworks Solutions in 2002, with on-the-books headquarters in Woburn, Mass. Held various senior management positions in sales, marketing, other business units before becoming president in 2014, chief executive in 2016. Based in Irvine.
RECENT: Corporate influence has swung from Massachusetts to OC following Griffin’s ascension to top post. Skyworks named to Fortune’s list of 100 Fastest-Growing Companies three consecutive years. Saw stock wobbles after Apple reported sales issues late last year; rebound in 2019 following stock buyback announcement, and overall Wall Street gains.
QUOTABLE: “We are enabling revolutionary applications and executing towards our vision of connecting everyone and everything, all the time.”
FAST FACT: Succeeded David Aldrich, who cited Griffin’s “intense focus and unyielding tenacity.”
PERSONAL: Avid Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots fan; marathon runner; volunteer, weekend coach for his multisport kids. Never misses opportunity to see Jackson Browne in concert. Received bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst; MBA, Boston University.
