Dutch advice
ASM International has announced that it has appointed Frans van Houten as a temporary advisor to the management board for an expected period of 4-6 months. Frans van Houten, 48, will support ASMI's management board in its on-going efforts to ensure the company has the strongest operational framework with which to withstand current extreme economic and industry conditions.
The decision to appoint Mr. van Houten was jointly taken by ASMI management and supervisory boards, also taking into account the recent recommendation from ASMI's largest shareholders Arthur del Prado and Hermes as announced on 28 January 2009. Mr. van Houten is the former chief executive officer of NXP, the independent semiconductor company, and the former head of the Philips' Semiconductor division from which NXP was spun-off in 2006.
Chuck del Prado, ASMI Chief Executive Officer, said, "Frans van Houten has an excellent reputation and solid experience in the semiconductor industry. He will provide valuable support to ASMI management during the current market crisis. His appointment is a prudent and sensible step and demonstrates that ASMI is actively taking adequate measures to put itself in the best possible position to weather the current market turmoil and to respond to the challenges arising there from."
