ST-Ericsson replaces CEO with ST's Lamouche

LONDON – ST-Ericsson NV, the struggling mobile phone chip joint venture, has announced the appointment of Didier Lamouche as president and CEO, with effect from Dec. 1, 2011. Lamouche, who is chief operating officer of STMicroelectronics NV, replaces Gilles Delfassy who has led ST-Ericsson since September 2009.

In a statement ST-Ericsson credited Delfassy with the transformation of the company's product portfolio from one that served legacy feature phone products to one that addresses smartphones and tablet computers. However, Delfassy has also been in place as the company has reported large net losses on its sales revenue and built up large debts to its parent companies.

For the third quarter of 2011 ST-Ericsson reported a net loss of $211 million on sales of $412 million. The net financial position on Oct. 1 2011, was negative to the sum of $594 million.

Gilles Delfassy will support Lamouche, as senior advisor to the CEO, during a transition period. Didier Lamouche, while maintaining his title of COO at ST, will work full time on leading ST-Ericsson.



Didier Lamouche, COO of STMicroelectronics and now CEO of ST-Ericsson

ST-Ericsson said Lamouche is being appointed as the company enters a different phase of existence with a prime focus on proliferating design-wins and scaling up and delivering volume.

"I am very pleased with this appointment," said Hans Vestberg, chairman of ST-Ericsson, in a statement. The statement added that Vestberg was quoted speaking on behalf of the whole board of directors. "On behalf of ST-Ericsson's board, I thank Gilles for his strong contribution to ST-Ericsson."

STMicroelectronics and Ericsson remain committed to the 50/50 joint venture, the statement said.


Related links and articles:

How long has ST-Ericsson got?

Losses swell, outlook flat at ST-Ericsson

ST-Ericsson restructures, break-even recedes

ST-Ericsson tips Nokia Windows Phone win

ST-Ericsson to close R&D sites