Lisa Su Named Time’s 2024 CEO of the Year: Transforming AMD into a $210 Billion Tech Giant

Lisa Su, CEO of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), has been named Time’s 2024 CEO of the Year, a recognition of her transformative leadership of the $210 billion chipmaking giant.

Since becoming AMD’s CEO in 2014, Su has driven the company through significant growth and innovation. Known for her rigorous work ethic, she has fostered a high-performance culture at AMD. In a recent interview, Su highlighted the company’s demanding environment, where weekend work and midnight memos are part of the routine.

Demanding Leadership Style

Su’s leadership style is not for the faint-hearted. Tech industry analyst Patrick Moorhead, a former AMD executive, described her approach as intense, stating that those who fail to meet commitments struggle to thrive. Su expects her executives to be prepared for morning discussions on complex topics after receiving detailed documents late at night.

Beyond her managerial rigor, Su is deeply involved in product innovation, personally reviewing prototype chips delivered from the factory.

Rise of a Tech Leader

Born in Taiwan, Su immigrated to the United States at the age of three when her father pursued graduate studies. Raised in New York City, she showed an early aptitude for technology, learning to write basic programs at a young age.

Su graduated from the Bronx High School of Science and went on to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Early in her career, she held roles at Texas Instruments and IBM, steadily climbing the ranks before joining AMD in 2012 as a vice president. Within two years, she was appointed CEO, becoming one of the few women to lead a major technology firm.

Family Ties and Legacy

Lisa Su shares a notable family connection with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, her cousin. Despite their familial bond, the two lead competing firms in the semiconductor industry.

Under Su’s leadership, AMD has expanded its market share, improved its financial health, and made significant technological advances, positioning itself as a formidable player in the chipmaking sector.

A Vision for the Future

Su credits her success to diverse experiences early in her career, which allowed her to grow professionally. Reflecting on her journey, she remarked, “Every two years, I did a different thing,” emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

As she steers AMD into the future, Su’s relentless drive and focus on innovation continue to inspire the tech industry. With her recognition as Time’s CEO of the Year, Su has solidified her reputation as one of the most influential leaders in the world of technology.

Sources By Agencies

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