Honorary doctorate for Willem P. Roelandts, retired Chairman of the Board and CEO of Xilinx, Inc
Honorary doctorate
On 24 November 2009, the K.U.Leuven will award a doctorate honoris causa to Willem P. Roelandts, retired Chairman of the Board and CEO of Xilinx, Inc., for introducing a management and leadership philosophy in semiconductor business, based on inspiring an environment of innovation and on establishing a management style and culture focused on human values.
Willem P. Roelandts built up an exceptional track record in the competitive semiconductor industry which eventually led to tenure of not less than 12 years as CEO of Xilinx, Inc., a worldwide leader in Field Programmable Logic Solutions.
In 2009, IMEC celebrates its 25th anniversary. This anniversary is an ideal opportunity to underline the excellent cooperation with IMEC the K.U.Leuven has had over the years. What better way to do this than by honouring an authority in IMEC's field of expertise, semiconductor design and process technology. Although many individuals could be considered, a clear choice was made for one of Flanders' most successful managers in the very competitive semiconductor business. Willem P. Roelandts realised what no other compatriot did before and managed to achieve his success in Silicon Valley, the heart of the semiconductor industry.
His achievements are remarkable and can to a major extent be ascribed to his very personal management style focused on human values, for which he has been highly praised by both his employees and his colleagues.Willem P. Roelandts - Biography
- Born in Sint-Kwintens-Lennik (Belgium) in 1945 and raised in Belgium.
- Bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering (Industrieel ingenieur), Rijks Hogere Technische School Anderlecht in 1965.
- Started his professional career in 1967 at Hewlett-Packard (HP) in Belgium.
- Joined a newly set-up HP division in Grenoble (France) in 1977. Became HP's computer expert for Europe.
- Moved to Cupertino (USA) in 1983 and became responsible for R&D in a major HP organisation.
- By 1995 Senior Vice-President at Hewlett-Packard, in charge of HP's $6 billion worldwide computer systems business in Cupertino. Responsible for all aspects of HP's business, including R&D, manufacturing, marketing, professional services and sales.
- CEO of Xilinx, Inc. from 1996 until 2008.
- 2008, Chairman of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).
- Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from the Catholic Santa Clara University, California, USA (2004).
Program conferment ceremony 24 November
- Welcome by professor Karen Maex,
vice-rector Science, Engineering and Technology - Laudatio by professor Gilbert Declerck
- Conferment of the honorary doctorate by
professor Mark Waer, rector K.U.Leuven - Lecture by honorary doctor Willem P. Roelandts 'Managing Innovation'
- Reception
The academic ceremony takes places at 5pm in the Promotiezaal, Naamsestraat 22, Leuven.
