ST-Ericsson, a joint venture of STMicroelectronics and Ericsson has announced the appointment of Gilles Delfassy as President and CEO of the company. Alain Dutheil, who led the company during the merger, will work with Delfassy over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. Delfassy will assume his position as President and CEO effective November 2, 2009. After then, Dutheil will continue to support ST-Ericsson by joining its Board and will return to his previous role as STMicroelectronics' Chief Operating Officer.

In addition, Hans Vestberg, CFO and incoming CEO of Ericsson, and a member of the Board of ST-Ericsson, has become Chairman of the Board of ST-Ericsson, succeeding Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of Ericsson.

Delfassy, 54, is a highly-respected expert in the wireless industry. During his 28-year career at Texas Instruments, he created and built what would become, during that time, the largest wireless semiconductor business in the world. After his retirement from Texas Instruments in 2007, Delfassy became an advisor to many high-tech companies and has served on several corporate boards.

Alain Dutheil, current President and CEO of ST-Ericsson, said: "In less than one year, ST-Ericsson has become a leading force in our industry, with strong innovation capabilities, outstanding customer relationships, ability to offer a unique portfolio, and with what I am proud to define as the best team of professionals. Together, we have already come a long way in reshaping and integrating the company. Now, with Gilles joining us with his decades of wireless expertise and outstanding track record, the team will be even stronger and well positioned to achieve long term, profitable growth."

ST-Ericsson was established as a 50/50 joint venture by STMicroelectronics and Ericsson in February 2009, with headquarters in Switzerland.