Silvaco Announces CEO Transition

Rhea-AI Summary

Silvaco (NASDAQ: SVCO), a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions, announced a significant leadership transition. Dr. Walden C. Rhines has been appointed as the new CEO, replacing Dr. Babak Taheri who departed on August 19, 2025, after nearly seven years leading the company through its IPO.

Dr. Rhines brings extensive industry experience, having served as CEO of Mentor Graphics Corporation and Siemens EDA. He currently serves as CEO of Cornami and Chairman of Qorvo's board. The new CEO holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and has been a Silvaco board member since September 2022.

Positive

• Appointment of highly experienced CEO Dr. Rhines with strong industry background
• Company reports sustained double-digit growth over several years
• Strong pipeline of business opportunities in semiconductor design automation
• Successful track record of recent milestones including public listing and acquisitions

Negative

• Unexpected departure of long-term CEO Dr. Taheri could create temporary leadership transition challenges
• Potential disruption in company strategy and execution during leadership change

Insights

Corporate Leadership Analyst

CEO transition at Silvaco brings in experienced industry veteran Wally Rhines following IPO-era leader Taheri's departure.

Silvaco's leadership change marks a significant transition period following the company's successful IPO under departing CEO Dr. Babak Taheri. The appointment of Dr. Walden C. Rhines as the new chief executive brings substantial semiconductor industry leadership experience to the company at a crucial juncture.

Dr. Rhines' background is particularly notable for his 24-year tenure as CEO of Mentor Graphics until its acquisition by Siemens in 2017, after which he continued leading Siemens EDA. His current role as CEO of Cornami and board chairmanship at Qorvo (NASDAQ: QRVO) demonstrates ongoing industry relevance and connections. This extensive leadership experience in EDA (Electronic Design Automation) software specifically aligns with Silvaco's market position.

The timing of this transition appears strategic, coming after Silvaco has established itself as a public company but before executing on its next growth phase. Dr. Taheri's departure after nearly seven years coincides with what appears to be a successful IPO completion and period of "sustained double-digit growth" according to his statement. The "One Silvaco" initiative mentioned suggests organizational integration efforts were part of his tenure.

Both the departing and incoming CEOs highlighted Silvaco's market opportunity and positioning in semiconductor design automation, signaling continuity in strategic vision despite the leadership change. Board Chair Kathy Pesic's statement specifically mentions "acquisitions" as part of recent milestones, indicating M&A activity has been part of the company's growth strategy that the new leadership will likely need to integrate and build upon.

Walden C. Rhines, Ph.D. appointed as new CEO following departure of Dr. Babak Taheri

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silvaco Group, Inc. (“Silvaco”) (NASDAQ: SVCO), a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation, today announced that Dr. Babak Taheri has left the company, effective August 19, 2025, following nearly seven years as Chief Executive Officer, during which he led the company through its initial public offering. The Board has appointed Walden “Wally” C. Rhines, Ph.D., as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

“It has been a great honor to work with the team and the board at Silvaco. I am very proud of our successful IPO and the sustained double-digit growth over several years. The ‘One Silvaco’ team has achieved many accomplishments,” said Dr. Babak Taheri. “The dedicated team at Silvaco is well-positioned to continue executing its strategic vision and creating shareholder value.”

“Silvaco is at an exciting point in its market opportunity. We sit at the forefront of semiconductor design automation with a unique set of technology offerings and a strong pipeline of business opportunities,” said Rhines. “On behalf of the Company and the Board, I would like to thank Babak for his leadership for nearly seven years and wish him the very best. I’m honored to step into this role and am committed to maximizing long-term value for our shareholders.”

Rhines has served as a member of Silvaco’s board of directors and as a member of the audit committee since September 2022. Since March 2020, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornami, Inc., and is Chairman of the board of directors of Qorvo, Inc. (Nasdaq: QRVO). Rhines previously served CEO of Mentor Graphics Corporation from 1993 until its acquisition by Siemens in March 2017. Following the acquisition, Rhines served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens EDA (formerly Mentor Graphics). Rhines holds a B.S.E. in engineering from the University of Michigan, an M.S. and Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Stanford University, and a M.B.A. from the Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business.

“We are at an exciting point in Silvaco’s trajectory, and I have the utmost confidence in Wally leading Silvaco through this next chapter. I also want to thank Babak who has been an incredible asset to the company and has played an instrumental role in all of our recent milestones, including our public listing and acquisitions," said Kathy Pesic, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board.

About Silvaco Group, Inc.
Silvaco is a provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions that enable semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software and innovation. Silvaco’s solutions are used for semiconductor and photonics processes, devices, and systems development across display, power devices, automotive, memory, high performance compute, foundries, photonics, internet of things, and 5G/6G mobile markets for complex SoC design. Silvaco is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Egypt, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam. Learn more at silvaco.com.

Contacts
Media Relations:
Tiffany Behany, press@silvaco.com

Investor Relations:
Greg McNiff, investors@silvaco.com

FAQ

Who is the new CEO of Silvaco (NASDAQ: SVCO)?

Dr. Walden C. Rhines has been appointed as Silvaco's new CEO, effective August 19, 2025. He previously served as CEO of Mentor Graphics and Siemens EDA, and is currently Chairman of Qorvo's board.

Why did Babak Taheri leave Silvaco?

The press release does not specify the reason for Dr. Taheri's departure. He served as CEO for nearly seven years and led the company through its IPO with sustained double-digit growth.

What is Dr. Walden Rhines' background and experience?

Dr. Rhines holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University and has extensive industry experience as CEO of Mentor Graphics (1993-2017) and Siemens EDA. He has been a Silvaco board member since 2022 and currently serves as CEO of Cornami and Chairman of Qorvo.

What were Silvaco's key achievements under Dr. Taheri's leadership?

Under Dr. Taheri's leadership, Silvaco achieved sustained double-digit growth, completed its initial public offering (IPO), and executed successful acquisitions.

What is Silvaco's current market position?

Silvaco is positioned at the forefront of semiconductor design automation with a unique set of technology offerings in TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions, enabling semiconductor design and digital twin modeling through AI software.