Charles E. Sporck (born November 15, 1927) is an American engineer and former company manager. He is best known for his role as chief executive officer and president of National Semiconductor from 1967 to 1991. The New York Times described Sporck as "a founding father of Silicon Valley".[1]

Education and early career

Sporck was born in Saranac Lake, New York, in 1927.[2] Sporck studied mechanical engineering at Cornell University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1950.[3] He then worked for General Electric.[4]

He started work at semiconductor division of Fairchild Camera and Instrument in 1959, where he rose to the position of General Manager.[5]

At National Semiconductor

In 1967, Sporck was recruited by National Semiconductor, which was at that time struggling financially.[1] Under his leadership the company focused on mass production of low cost computer chips and became very successful;[4] for a time the company was "the largest chip maker in Silicon Valley".[1]

The company's fortunes declined in the 1980s when more competitively priced chips manufactured in Asia entered the American domestic market.[5] He retired in 1991, and was succeeded by Gilbert F. Amelio.[1][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Andrew Pollack (January 11, 1991). "Chip Industry Pioneer to Retire". The New York Times. The New York Times Company. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  2. ^ Richard S. Tedlow (2007). Andy Grove: The Life and Times of an American Business Icon. Penguin Books. p. 152. ISBN 9781591841821. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  3. ^ "Cornell Engineering Alumni Charlie Sporck".
  4. ^ a b "Charles E. Sporck". Computer History Museum. 2004. Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  5. ^ a b c Lazzareschi, Carla (11 January 1991). "Amelio to Succeed Sporck at National Semiconductor". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
Categories