Big In Japan Series: John H. Kispert, CEO, Spansion: “Integrating a Major Acquisition in Japan”

Spansion is a Sunnyvale-based leading embedded systems maker that grew out of a Fujitsu-AMD joint venture. In what has been called “one of the most dramatic and unlikely turnarounds in Silicon Valley history,” after joining the company in 2009 CEO John H. Kispert brought Spansion out of bankruptcy to become a strong industry player with over $1 billion in sales and 10,000 customers worldwide.

In 2013, Spansion made a bold move, purchasing Fujitsu’s microcontroller and analog business for $175 million. The deal has expanded Spansion’s work force by more than 1,000, and it puts the company in the unique position of being able to offer embedded systems technologies, ranging from Flash memory, microcontrollers and analogs and system-on-chip solutions.

CEO John H. Kispert will share the approach his company has taken to integrate two companies with vastly different cultures, geographical markets and product lines. He’ll focus on some of the particular considerations Spansion has made given that acquisitions of a piece of a Japanese company by a foreign firm is not something common in Japan. He will also share some of the history of the company, and how as a leader in the memory business Japan has always been an important part of Spansion’s strategy. And having had intensive interactions with Japanese customers and suppliers throughout his career in the semiconductor industry, he will share some of the things that he has found most effective in forming strong working relationships with Japanese.

John H. Kispert
John H. Kispert is the chief executive officer at Spansion and serves as a member of the Spansion board. He joined Spansion in 2009 and led Spansion’s turnaround, successfully refocusing the company’s strategy for growth.
Kispert has a broad background spanning executive and operational roles at semiconductor and technology companies. Prior to joining Spansion, Kispert spent 13 years in a number of executive management roles at KLA-Tencor, including president and chief operations officer. Prior to KLA-Tencor, Kispert held several senior management positions with IBM. He serves on the board of directors of Gigamon Inc.

Kispert received his bachelor's degree in political science from Grinnell College and his MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Spansion
Spansion is a global leader in Flash memory-based embedded systems solutions. Spansion’s Flash memory, microcontrollers, mixed-signal and analog products drive the development of faster, more intelligent and energy efficient electronics. Spansion is at the heart of electronics systems, connecting, controlling, storing and powering everything from automotive electronics and industrial systems to the highly interactive and immersive consumer devices that are enriching people's daily lives.

Online Registration:
$10 for Students (Please show ID at time of check-in)
$15 for Japan Society Members
$20 for Nonmembers
Online registration closes at 12:00 pm on Wednesday, June 11
No refunds after Wednesday, June 4

Walk-ins:
$25 per person for all tickets
Tickets will be dependent on space availability.

Schedule:
6:00 PM – 6:45 PM Networking/Registration
6:45 PM – 8:00 PM Presentation with audience Q&A
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Networking & Reception
Light appetizers and drinks provided.

Parking:
Parking is available on the street and in adjacent lots.

Public Transportation:
Silicon Valley Center is conveniently located four blocks from Caltrain. Exit at the Mountain View Station and take Castro Street towards downtown Mountain View. Silicon Valley Center is at the corner of Castro and California.

Questions:
Please contact Briana Burrows, Program Coordinator, at [email protected] or (415)986-4383.