Applied Materials CEO Michael Splinter is New Chair of Silicon Valley Leadership Group Board of Directors Seagate Technology CEO Bill Watkins Is Board’s New Vice Chair

The Silicon Valley Leadership Group announced today that Michael R. Splinter, President and CEO of Applied Materials, and Bill Watkins, CEO of Seagate Technology, have assumed the roles of Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the Leadership Group’s board of directors.

“Both CEOs are distinguished and dedicated business leaders and community builders in Silicon Valley,” said Carl Guardino, president and CEO of the Leadership Group. “They will bring strong direction to our board over the next two years as we embrace the important issues affecting the economic vitality and quality of life in our community.”

Splinter, a 30-year veteran of the technology industry, has held the top post at Applied Materials, the global leader in nanomanufacturing technology for the electronics industry, since 2003.

"2007 is a critical year for Silicon Valley to show its technology leadership and ability to remain one of the greatest places in the world to work and live," said Splinter. "I look forward to working with the Leadership Group to move forward with our key goals in areas such as affordable housing, clean energy and transportation."

Watkins was named CEO of data storage leader Seagate in 2004 and has been with the company since 1996 when it merged with Conner Peripherals.

“At Seagate, we believe great companies are also great corporate citizens deeply engaged in the community,” Watkins said. “The Silicon Valley Leadership Group’s emphasis on our region's employees, the environment and our economy emulates that same vision and our core values. I welcome the opportunity to contribute in any way I can to the Leadership Group and its members.”