Knorr to spearhead Dubai microelectronics venture

Dr Juergen Knorr has been appointed CEO of the Dubai Silicon Oasis, a strategic initiative of the Government of Dubai.

The Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), a strategic initiative of the Government of Dubai to build a global microelectronics technology park providing turnkey design and development facilities for the semiconductor industry, has announced the appointment of Dr Juergen Knorr to the position of CEO.

Dr Knorr will take the helm in developing DSO as a leading hub for semiconductor design and development for advancing electronic innovation.

Launched in January 2005, DSO offers a solution to high cost semiconductor development through its business ready infrastructure.

Encompassing regional talent, financial incentives and subsidies on state-of-the-art EDA tools and technology, DSO will enable companies to quickly set up shop and accelerate time to market of their electronic products.

DSO is exhibiting at the upcoming Design Automation Conference (DAC) this week at the Anaheim Convention centre in Anaheim, California (Booth 1088).

"As a semiconductor veteran who began his career in 1957, the addition of Jurgen to our team is a clear testament of DSO's commitment to a winning strategy of becoming a world class microelectronics park", said George Scalise, President of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) and member of DSO Board of Advisors.

"His understanding of the business and technology dynamics of semiconductor design and development, as well as his vast experience in developing successful partnerships with technology leaders, will prove invaluable to companies looking for affordable engineering solutions to realise their products".

"Through progressive thinking and an eye to electronics innovation, DSO is addressing the age old business issue facing technology providers today: how to quickly and affordably design and develop state-of-the-art electronic products and get them to market faster than their competitors", said Dr Juergen Knorr, CEO of DSO.

"Our approach not only offers companies a financially prudent alternative to existing design centres, but provides a business ready solution for capitalising on emerging opportunities, such as the tremendous growth markets of wireless and consumer electronics".

Knorr began his career in 1957 with Siemens, where he worked as an engineer developing high performance industrial switchgear.

Between 1957 and 1974, Knorr worked in a variety of strategic business units where he managed the development, design and manufacturing of products.

In 1974, he became the General Manager of three business divisions within Siemens: Electrical Equipment, Lighting and Automotive Electronics, the last of which he took from startup into a major Business Division with annual sales of $8 billion today.

In 1984, Knorr led the transition of Siemens Semiconductor Group (today Infineon Technologies) into a world class semiconductor company, installing new wafer fabs and design centres and forming key alliances with Toshiba, IBM and Motorola.

In addition to his position as CEO and Group President of Siemens Semiconductor Group, he was appointed Senior Vice President and Member of the Executive Board of Siemens.

In 1996, Knorr retired from Siemens to pursue management consultancy positions and remained closely associated with the European semiconductor industry as Chairman of the Policy Committee of EECA (European Electronics Components Manufacturer Association).

He has been a member of the board at JESSI (Joint European Submicron Silicon Initiative) since its inception.

Knorr also served on the board of MEDEA (Micro Electronics Development for European Applications) and held the position of President and Chairman from 1998 to 2001.

Knorr received his electrical engineering and mathematics degree from the Technical University of Berlin, Germany, and was promoted to Dr tech.e.h by the Technical University of Vienna, Austria.

He was named to the "Order of the Federal Republic of Germany First Class" by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany for his activities in microelectronics industry worldwide, and was also honoured with the title of Datuk by the Government of Malaysia.

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