Inducted 2005

Mike earned both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. As an engineer and technologist, Mike began his career at Rockwell International in the Electronic Research Center. During his tenure, he became manager of Rockwell International's Semiconductor Fabrication Operations and was awarded two patents. Then Mike went to Intel Corporation, where over 20 years he assumed increasing responsibility. In his role as executive vice president and general manager of Technology and Manufacturing worldwide, he spearheaded the development of industry-leading technologies, deployment of world-class manufacturing processes, and on-time delivery of all Intel Products.

In 2003, Mike was named President, CEO, and member of the Board of Directors at Applied Materials, the largest supplier of equipment and services to the global semiconductor industry. He has focused the Company on expanding its leadership with a strong growth strategy. His own style is to lead by example and be accessible to employees at all levels. Mike started the Annual Mike's Backyard Barbeque every September to gather employees across the Santa Clara Campus. Also by example, he encourages employees' giving back to the community - particularly in local education and hunger. There is an auction that is part of Second Harvest's "Season for Sharing' activities every fall, where bidders can vie for a candy-making workshop lead by Mike personally. As a capstone for Applied Material's Second Harvest efforts last fall, Mike added a Turkey Trot Race in November (in which he ran), which will now become an annual event.

Mike, his wife Pat, and their 2 daughters (in their twenties) and 2 sons (in their teens) also enjoy skiing together as a family. Speaking of family and candy-making, Mike inherited his skills through his grandfather who owned a candy business and passed on his secret recipes to Mike and his family. In addition to the auctioned candy-making session, Mike runs a similar evening at his home for family, friends, and children of all ages. Even during candy-making, Mike incorporates his process and manufacturing knowledge to ensure the perfect and tasty outcome.

Mike Splinter's knowledge and leadership skills are called upon outside of Applied Materials and his family. For example, as part of the Silicon Valley Manufacturing Group Board, he and other CEOs focus on housing, transportation, and other quality of life issues affecting their employees. Internationally, Mike is on the Governors' Council of the World Economic Forum, which consists of influential and forward-thinking business, government, media, and intellectual leaders who are all working to sustain global economic and social prosperity. In recognition of Mike Splinter's work in the semiconductor industry, he has garnered many awards, including the California-Israel Chamber of Commerce International Partnership Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award from University of Wisconsin. As part of a long list of admirers, we congratulate Mike Splinter on being a 2005 Laureate.