Infineon Celebrates 25 Years

Infineon Technologies recently marked a significant milestone with the celebration of its 25th annual general meeting since its spinout as Siemens Semiconductor. Over the past 25 years, Infineon has navigated a tumultuous journey, with notable events such as the spinout of its DRAM memory business as Quimonda and the sale of the Newport Wafer fab in Wales. Reflecting on this journey, current CEO Jochen Hanebeck emphasized the company's resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving market dynamics.

Established on April 1st, 1999, as a spin-off from Siemens AG, Infineon was led by Dr. Ulrich Schumacher from 1999 to 2004. Dr. Schumacher, who had previously held key roles at Siemens, played a pivotal role in shaping Infineon's early trajectory. The company evolved into a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, focusing on automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, showcasing its ability to innovate and respond to market demands.

Infineon's strategic shift away from memory products towards higher-margin businesses like power semiconductors, automotive, and industrial applications proved to be a turning point. Under the leadership of Wolfgang Ziebart from 2004 to 2008, the company underwent significant restructuring, including the divestment of its memory division as Qimonda. This move enabled Infineon to consolidate its focus on core competencies and drive profitability in a competitive landscape.

Peter Bauer succeeded Ziebart in 2008, overseeing Infineon's strategic realignment and the sale of its mobile phone business to Intel in 2010. Bauer's tenure was marked by a commitment to enhancing the company's stability and market position, setting the stage for future growth and profitability. Despite facing health challenges, Bauer's contributions to Infineon's evolution were instrumental.

Reinhard Ploss assumed the role of CEO in 2012, bringing a blend of technical expertise and business acumen to the position. Ploss spearheaded key initiatives such as the acquisition of International Rectifier in 2015, strengthening Infineon's foothold in power semiconductors. The subsequent acquisition of Cypress Semiconductor in 2020 further solidified Infineon's position as a comprehensive provider of semiconductors for diverse markets.