Silicon Labs: Past, Present and Future

The New Year is here – giving us all the opportunity to reflect on the past, embrace the present, and set goals for the future.?

The Past?

I’ve?spent?my life’s work helping to create technology that simplifies the connection of things, information, networks and people.?From?taking apart radios as a kid, studying electrical engineering in school, working as a design engineer on Silicon Labs’ first product (a telephone line interface that revolutionized internet connected PCs in the early dial-up days) to leading the company?as CEO?for the last?decade, my journey has been amazing.?

Together, we learned and grew along the way. We?created?breakthrough technologies and initiated a track record of developing innovative,?market-leading semiconductors. Our products have been?used in?mobile phones, consumer devices, industrial applications,?electric vehicles, high-speed communications networks,?and more…

Over the last decade, we transformed the company from provider of semiconductor components into a focused, pure-play leader in silicon, software and solutions for the Internet of Things. By sticking to our values and “doing the right thing,” we consistently grew our business and made outsized improvements in sustainability, healthcare, education, equity and more. Together, we not only created innovative technology, but truly helped build a better world.?

But our journey wasn’t always easy. We’ve seen our fair share of challenges – a global trade war, the pandemic, and semiconductor supply chain shortages – and that was just the past couple of years! However, we never stopped finding solutions to tough, new problems – after all that’s what we do best.?

Looking back at my time at Silicon Labs, I’m also flooded with cherished memories of mentors, colleagues, and friends. It’s the people, not the products, for whom I’m most thankful.?

The Present??

Tomorrow marks my last day as Silicon Labs CEO?—?a milestone for the organization and me personally. It’s been an honor and a?privilege to lead this company, and it’s strange to know that I am leaving a job I’ve loved and served in for almost 25?years. However, we are ready for this transition. As I formally pass the torch to Matt Johnson, I’m confident in his ability to drive forward the strategy and to continue our success in the large, diverse, growing IoT market.?

I gave Matt the simple, parting advice, “don’t mess it up!” I made this joke confident in our path ahead. Already tens of thousands of companies rely on our technology to create secure, intelligent wireless devices that transform industries, grow economies and improve lives. And we have the team, platform, products, and ecosystem needed to deliver sustainable growth.?

The Future?

Looking ahead, I see so much opportunity for Silicon Labs. That’s in large part because we have a strong purpose to “build a more connected world.” It’s more than a tagline – it’s core to our culture, strategic decision making, market differentiation, and daily work. As such, it’s also my personal mission for the future.?

As we get ready to circle the sun again, I developed three resolutions for 2022:?

1. Have fun! For me, this means focusing on building relationships. I’m proud of the technology and business achievements at Silicon Labs, and even more thankful for the people I’ve had the?privilege to work with. I’m also excited to make new connections – it's a big world, full of inspiring, smart people and new frontiers to explore.

2. Continue Learning.?We are lifelong learners, and I believe in our time of rapid, continuous change, a prioritized focus on formal and informal education is important. Gaining new skills, knowledge, understanding and perspective is key to personal happiness, organizational success and societal improvements. I’ve learned so much during my time at Silicon Labs, and I’m curious to see what discoveries lie on the horizon.

3. Do good.?I became an engineer because I like solving tough problems. Today, we face major challenges and changes across the economy and our society, with technology at the center of much of it. However, as an eternal optimist I believe that the opportunities outweigh the obstacles. I’m looking forward to contributing in a positive way to make the world a better place.

While this is my final email as Silicon Labs CEO, it’s not goodbye. I will continue to serve on our technical advisory board, and once travel restrictions are lifted, I plan on visiting many of our offices around the world.

Previously, I equated my retirement to “Landing the Plane”?— well, the plane has landed, and it’s time for me to disembark. I sincerely wish a the best for each of you and your families, and a hearty, Happy New Year. Thank you for your dedication and friendship over the years. Please stay in touch.

Best regards,?

Tyson