Hector Ruiz

Dr. Hector de Jesus Ruiz is a founder of Advanced Nanotechnology Solutions, where he serves as chairman. Hector’s career began at Texas Instruments, after which he spent two decades at Motorola. In 2000, Hector joined Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) as president and COO, and in April 2002, he became CEO. In 2006, he announced plans to build and operate the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility, and in 2009, he formed GlobalFoundries, the first truly global semiconductor manufacturing company. During his tenure at AMD, Hector received numerous accolades, including the Semico Bellwether Award in 2009, and EE Times’ Executive of the Year and Electronic Business’ CEO of the Year awards in 2005. In 2006, he was named one of Fortune’s “Top 25 Business Leaders.” Hector is an advocate for the better use of technology to improve the lives of individuals in economically disadvantaged areas. He is an advisor to EDCO Ventures, a community development corporation focused on high-growth entrepreneurship in emerging domestic regions. He is also a general partner at Innovación Investments, a community development venture capital fund focused on underrepresented groups. He currently serves on the University of Texas’ College of Engineering Foundation Advisory Council. In 2006, he was named a distinguished engineering graduate of UT-Austin, and in 2012, he won the Distinguished Alumni Award. Hector is a trustee emeritus of Rice University, and is on boards at the RAND Corporation and Breakthrough Austin. He previously served on President George W. Bush’s Council of Advisors for Science and Technology.