Hector de J. Ruiz
B.S.E.E. 1968, M.S.E.E. 1969
Chairman and CEO, Advanced Micro Devices
Dr. Hector de J. Ruiz has successfully directed one of the worlds leading semiconductor companies while promoting interest in understanding technologys ability to address social issues.
His career began at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a bachelors and a masters degree in electrical engineering in 1968 and 1969, respectively. Ruiz then completed a doctoral degree at Rice University in 1973.
While at Rice, he began working at Texas Instruments, and spent five years there in various research and other positions. He joined Motorola in 1977, becoming president of its semiconductor sector in 1997.
He became AMDs president and chief operating officer in 2000. Since his promotion to chief executive officer in 2002, Ruiz has been the driving force behind the companys financial turnaround. From a $1.3 billion loss in 2002, AMD has experienced substantial growth and profitability largely as a result of Ruizs efforts to make AMD a trusted supplier in the server market, where the company now holds roughly 25 percent unit market share. Today, all the worlds major global computer manufacturers offer AMD-based solutions, and more than 60 percent of the top 500 of the Forbes Global 2000 companies or their subsidiaries use AMD technology, including Toyota and Merck KGAA.
Ruizs interest in global outreach is demonstrated by AMDs 50x15 initiative. It seeks to enable half the worlds population to have affordable Internet access by 2015. AMD also helped established the Green Grid Consortium, a non-profit that encourages information technology professionals to address global energy consumption issues. Ruiz has also held a governors position in the World Economic Forum since 2003.
Ruizs civic commitments have previously included chairing a fundraising campaign for Austins United Way, and serving on the board of directors of the Science Academy of Austin. Currently he serves on President Bushs Council of Advisors for Science and Technology, and serves on the boards of directors for Spansion, Inc., Eastman Kodak Co. and the Semiconductor Industry Association.
A Life Member of Texas Exes, Ruiz also has served on the Colleges Engineering Advisory Board since 1998. As such, he has prompted greater AMD support of college initiatives for students and departments.