The Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) will honor James (“Jim”) C. Morgan, Chairman Emeritus of Applied Materials, Inc., with the esteemed Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award at its highly-anticipated Annual Awards Dinner to be held in Santa Clara, Calif., on Dec. 5, 2019. Morgan is an industry leader and visionary who led Applied Materials for nearly three decades — one of the longest tenures of a Fortune 500 CEO. He served as CEO from 1977 to 2003 and chairman of the board from 1987 to 2009, growing Applied from less than $20 million to more than $9 billion in revenue during that time.
The Dr. Morris Chang Exemplary Leadership Award recognizes individuals for their exceptional contributions, exemplifying how their vision and global leadership have transformed and elevated the entire semiconductor industry. The selection of Morgan is based on his extensive success in business, dedication to philanthropy, status as a positive and inspiring role model, and wide-ranging respect among the technology industry and business community.
“We are honored to present this year’s award to a pioneer in the equipment sector of the semiconductor industry,” stated Jodi Shelton, CEO and co-founder of GSA. “This is the first time an innovator from an equipment company has received this honor, and as Jim has been an essential partner to many semiconductor companies and a long-time visionary within the industry, we could not think of a better leader to recognize. Jim personifies the award and his contributions will continue to make a lasting impact in the field for many, many years to come.”
Morgan has been acknowledged for his numerous contributions within the technology industry and around the world for his leadership within the community. He advised three U.S. Presidents on matters of trade and competitiveness, serving on the National Advisory Committee on Semiconductors for President George H. W. Bush and the Commission on U.S.-Pacific Trade and Investment Policy for President Clinton. He was vice chairman of the President’s Export Council and served on the U.S.-Japan Private Sector Government Commission under President George W. Bush. Among his many honors, Morgan is a recipient of the National Medal of Technology awarded by President Clinton for making lasting contributions to America’s competitiveness and standard of living. He is also a recipient of the IEEE Robert N. Noyce Medal for his vision and leadership that transformed Applied Materials into an innovation leader and global partner for advancing microelectronics manufacturing technology. In addition, he received the Semiconductor Industry Association’s Robert N. Noyce Award, the association’s highest honor, for outstanding achievement and leadership in support of the U.S. semiconductor industry; and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Spirit of Silicon Valley Lifetime Achievement Award for his ethics, community engagement and business success.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive this award and be recognized alongside such distinguished semiconductor industry leaders and visionaries,” said Morgan. “The lives of so many people around the world have improved because of advancements in semiconductor technology, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to spend my career serving this industry.”
Morgan earned his BSME and MBA from Cornell University, and is the author of management memoir, “Applied Wisdom,” and “Applied Wisdom for Nonprofits,” as well as co-author of the book “Cracking the Japanese Market: Strategies for Success in the New Global Economy.” Over the past 30 years, Morgan has earned a host of individual and company awards for his work as CEO, recognition of accomplishments for Applied Materials and his environmental contributions.
The GSA Awards Dinner Celebration is the industry’s premier annual event attracting more than 1500 leaders to celebrate the accomplishments of this industry and honor the best performing companies and top leaders. Each year the GSA recognizes companies that have demonstrated excellence through their vision, strategy, execution and future opportunity. The celebration honors the achievements of semiconductor companies in several categories ranging from outstanding leadership to financial accomplishments, as well as overall respect within the industry. To make reservations to attend the Awards Dinner this year on December 5, please visit the Awards website.