Kulicke & Soffa's CEO to retire in June 2011

SAN FRANCISCO—Scott Kulicke, CEO of semiconductor assembly equipment vendor Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc. since 1979, plans to step down in June 2011, the company announced Wednesday (Dec. 9).

Scott Kulicke Kulicke & Soffa

Kulicke, son of one of Kulicke & Soffa's co-founders, will also relinquish his position as chairman of the company's board of directors, which he has held since 1984, Kulicke & Soffa (Fort Washington, Pa.) said.

Kulicke & Soffa said it board of directors would promptly begin a search for a new CEO, considering both internal and external candidates.

"We are starting the process well in advance of my actual retirement date so the board can ensure they get the best possible successor and to provide for an orderly transition period," Kulicke said through a statement. Until then, the company will conduct business as usual, Kulicke added.

Kulicke is the son of Fred Kulicke, who along with Al Soffa founded Kulicke & Soffa in 1951.