Qualcomm unveils next generation boss

The new boss of Qualcomm is taking over the job from his father. Paul Jacobs is Qualcomm's new chief executive, replacing company founder, and his dad, Irwin Jacobs. He also joins Qualcomm's board of directors.

From 1 July Irwin Jacobs will step down as chief executive but remain chairman and Steven Altman will be promoted to president of the company. Tony Thornley is retiring from his position as company president.

Qualcomm's governance committee has been planning the succession since spring 2002. After nearly three years of deliberations their decision was approved unanimously by the board of directors.

Paul Jacobs joined his father's firm full-time in 1990 and has recently run the consumer products division. He is credited with driving Qualcomm focus on wireless data and using VoIP as the basis for CDMA push-to-talk services. He has a Phd in electrical engineering from the University of California.

More on Qualcomm's website here. ®

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