June 1, 2016 - Exar Corporation a supplier of analog mixed-signal semiconductor components and system solutions serving the industrial, high-end consumer and infrastructure markets, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Ryan A. Benton as Chief Executive Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Benton will replace Richard L. Leza, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer.
Simultaneously, the Board of Directors also announced that Mr. Keith Tainsky, Sr. Director of Finance, will immediately assume the position of Chief Financial Officer, and Mr. Leza, Chairman of the Board of Directors, will assume the role of Executive Chairman and Technology Advisor of Exar. In his new role, Mr.
Leza will devote more time to the Company and work with Mr. Benton and the Company’s executive management team in shaping strategy, technology and product direction.
Mr. Benton has over 25 years of finance, business, and operational experience, 16 of which have been in senior management positions. Mr. Benton’s experience includes a range of leadership positions at companies including, ASMI International NV, eFunds, SoloPower, and Synapsense. Mr.
Benton started his career at Arthur Andersen & Co. after receiving his B.A. from the University of Texas. Mr.
Benton currently serves on the Board of Directors of Pivotal Systems, Inc., which provides best-in-class monitoring and process control technology for the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
Mr. Tainsky has been with Exar for over one year as Sr. Director of Finance, where he has been instrumental in driving the Company’s cost down initiatives. Mr. Tainsky brings with him over 25 years of experience in finance, operations, and management consulting.
His experience includes 15 years in the semiconductor industry, most recently as Director of Finance for Amkor, a provider of contract semiconductor assembly and test services.
