SiRF Names New CEO

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- SiRF Technology, Inc., the leading provider of GPS-enabled chipsets and software location platforms, today announced the appointment of seasoned industry executive Michael Canning as president and chief executive officer. Canning has enjoyed a high-profile track record for innovation and growth during his 20 years of executive management in companies from Cirrus Logic and Signetics/Philips to Teledyne Semiconductor and Commodore/MOS Technology. Dr. Canning is chartered to lead SiRF's growth in the rapidly expanding location technologies market.

GPS and associated location technologies form the underlying platform for emerging Location-Based Services (LBS). Identified as the next major frontier for the wireless market, these services use GPS and other positioning technologies to locate a mobile device and then provide customized services and information based on that location. The U.S. FCC E-911 mandate requiring that wireless handsets provide emergency location identification is just the first of many LBS applications to come. As GPS technology location-enables high-volume wireless, consumer, and automotive platforms, other valuable, even life-saving LBS applications including navigation, real-time traffic information, and concierge services are emerging.

"Michael has an incredible record for leading companies through periods of rapid growth and expansion," said Dado Banatao, chairman of SiRF Technology. "Helping to grow Cirrus Logic to the $1 billion mark in a record ten years is one example of an illustrious career. His executive experience and strong leadership will help SiRF build on its position at the top of the location market. We're thrilled to have him on board."

"SiRF is, and always has been, a company of excellence. Its innovations, technical expertise, patent portfolio, and talented employees have led to the explosive growth we now see in the location technology market," according to Canning. "I look forward to taking this company to the next level."

At Cirrus Logic, Canning was a founding executive and president of the company's $400 million Mass Storage Company business segment. Earlier, he was executive vice president of operations for Cirrus' Mass Storage, Graphics and Communications products, where he grew revenues from zero to $300 million and helped pioneer the fabless semiconductor model. Canning later was the chief executive officer and president of Stream Machine Company, which introduced market-leading video recording chipsets before its acquisition by Cirrus Logic. He has also held executive positions for other semiconductor companies such as Teledyne Semiconductor, Signetics/Philips, and Commodore.

SiRF Technology Inc.