Steve Sanghi '78 MS

Steve Sanghi '78 MS serves as the CEO, President, and Executive Chair of Microchip Technology Inc. He returned to the company in November 2024, after initially leading it from 1990 until March 2021. As one of the longest-serving CEOs in the semiconductor industry, he oversaw Microchip’s initial public offering in March 1993, with annual sales then at $89 million. His leadership propelled the company to a $5.4 billion revenue run rate and a market valuation of roughly $44 billion. Since its IPO, Microchip’s stock price has increased more than 285-fold, excluding dividends, and the company achieved 121 consecutive profitable quarters through 2020. A strategic industry consolidator, Microchip successfully acquired and integrated over 20 companies between 2010 and 2021, significantly enhancing shareholder value by elevating those businesses to Microchip’s high standards of financial performance. 

Mr. Sanghi stepped down from his CEO role in 2021, ensuring a smooth transition to his successor. However, in November 2025, he reassumed the position to address the company’s financial challenges during a prolonged post-COVID economic supercycle. 

Mr. Sanghi has authored three books: “Driving Excellence: How the Aggregate System Turned Microchip from a Failing Company to a Market Leader,” “Up and to the Right: My Personal and Business Journey Building the Microchip Technology Juggernaut,” and “Ask Steve: Everyday Business Advice from a Successful CEO.” Before joining Microchip, he worked at Intel Corporation from 1978 to 1988, serving in various engineering and management roles, including as General Manager of Programmable Memory Operations.

He also serves on several corporate boards, including as Non-Executive Chairman of Impinj and as a board member of Intel Corporation and Advantek Inc. His achievements have earned him significant recognition, including the Arizona Entrepreneur of the Year award in 1995 and the prestigious Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award from the Global Semiconductor Industry Alliance in 2022. Mr. Sanghi holds a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Massachusetts and a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication from Punjab University, India. In 2019, Northern Arizona University awarded him an honorary doctorate.