Conexant Adds Execs

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Conexant Systems, (NASDAQ:CNXT), a worldwide leader in semiconductor solutions for broadband communications and the digital home, today announced that Lewis Brewster, executive vice president and chief operating officer, has assumed the additional role of general manager of the company's Broadband Media Processing business. Broadband Media Processing provides solutions for set-top boxes, digital televisions, and video processing applications in the PC and other consumer electronics devices. Brewster is replacing Jeff Crosby, who has announced his intention to leave the company. In addition to this new assignment, Brewster retains his current responsibilities for Operations, Quality, and Information Technology and he will continue to report to Dwight W. Decker, Conexant chairman and chief executive officer. Christian Scherp, Conexant's senior vice president of Worldwide Sales who previously reported to Brewster, will now also report directly to Decker.

"Lewis brings a wealth of applicable experience to his new general-management assignment," Decker said. "He is a proven Conexant veteran who has successfully managed global organizations and consistently delivered outstanding results. He is also intimately familiar with the requirements of our Broadband Media Processing customer base, having led our Worldwide Sales organization for many years. Our Broadband Media Processing business remains our highest-growth opportunity, and I am confident that Lewis will lead this business to even higher levels of performance.

"I'd like to thank Jeff Crosby for his many contributions over the past three and a half years, and wish him the best as he moves on to his next assignment outside of Conexant," Decker said.

"I am excited about the prospect of managing one of Conexant's most important businesses, and look forward to meeting the challenges associated with my expanded role," Brewster said. "Our Broadband Media Processing team is deep, talented and experienced. I am certain that we will continue to deliver set-top box and PC TV solutions that incorporate industry-leading levels of integration and innovative feature sets."

Conexant also announced that Sailesh Chittipeddi will be joining the company as senior vice president of Global Operations, reporting to Brewster. Prior to joining Conexant, Chittipeddi held various senior operations leadership positions with Agere Systems, Lucent Technologies, and AT&T Microelectronics. In his new role, Chittipeddi will be responsible for global supply planning and execution, supplier relationship management, and operations tool sets, systems, and processes.

"Sailesh is an outstanding addition to our company," Brewster said. "He is well-versed in all aspects of semiconductor manufacturing, and he is a highly motivated individual who has established a track record of success throughout the course of his career. His extensive experience and proven leadership skills will be an important asset for our company and our customers."

"I am enthusiastic about joining the Conexant team, and optimistic about the company's long-term prospects," Chittipeddi said. "I look forward to leveraging my skills and working closely with my new colleagues and our suppliers to capture the significant growth opportunities of broadband communications and media processing in the digital home."

Conexant Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CNXT)