Lisa Tzwu-Fang Su’s journey from a curious child fascinated by engineering to becoming one of the most influential figures in the semiconductor industry is a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. Born in Taiwan and raised in the United States, Su’s early exposure to mathematics and science, coupled with her parents’ encouragement, laid the foundation for her future success.
After graduating from the Bronx High School of Science, Su pursued her passion for electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her academic journey at MIT, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, was marked by groundbreaking research in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, foreshadowing her future contributions to the semiconductor field.
Su’s professional career took off at Texas Instruments and later at IBM, where she played a pivotal role in developing innovative semiconductor manufacturing technologies, including the adoption of copper connections in semiconductor chips. Her leadership and expertise earned her recognition as a top innovator under 35 by MIT Technology Review and paved the way for her ascent through the ranks at IBM, eventually becoming vice president of IBM’s Semiconductor Research and Development Center.
In subsequent roles at IBM and later at Freescale Semiconductor, where she served as chief technology officer and senior vice president, Su continued to demonstrate her strategic vision and technical prowess. Her tenure at Freescale was marked by significant achievements, including the successful filing for an IPO in 2011, underlining her reputation as a transformational leader in the semiconductor industry.
Su’s trajectory reached new heights when she joined AMD in 2012 and assumed various leadership positions before being appointed president and CEO in 2014. Under her guidance, AMD underwent a remarkable transformation, diversifying its product portfolio and expanding into new markets such as gaming, datacenter, and immersive platforms. Su’s strategic initiatives propelled AMD to unprecedented growth, earning her accolades such as Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders and Barron’s World’s Best CEO.
Beyond her professional achievements, Su has been recognized for her contributions to the advancement of women in technology and her philanthropic endeavors. She has received numerous awards and honors, including being named one of the 100 Most Powerful Women by Forbes and induction into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame.
As of 2024, Su’s impact on the semiconductor industry and her estimated net worth of over $1 billion underscore her status as a trailblazer and visionary leader, inspiring generations to come in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).