Willard Tu

Sr. Director of Custom SoC and Special Projects

AMD

Bio:

Willard Tu is the Sr. Director of Custom SoC and Special Projects at AMD, where he leads efforts in developing custom systems-on-chip and overseeing special projects in High-Performance Computing (HPC). With a career spanning several leading technology companies, he has built a deep expertise in ASSPs, custom SoCs and HPC, focusing on delivering innovative solutions for complex, high-performance applications.

Before returning to AMD, Willard worked at Marvell, where he gained extensive experience in HPC and custom SoC design. This experience, combined with his earlier roles at ARM, Xilinx, Motorola, NEC, National Semiconductor, and DSP Concepts has given him a comprehensive perspective on the semiconductor landscape and the evolving role of sensors in modern technology. 

Throughout his career, Willard has focused on creating new business models, embracing cutting-edge technology, and fostering trust in business relationships. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers and participates in the University of Michigan’s mentorship program, where he helps students navigate the complexities of the tech industry. He also serves as an advisor to several start-ups, providing guidance on both technical and business challenges.