Steve Mollenkopf

Steve Mollenkopf is chief executive officer of Qualcomm Incorporated. Mollenkopf began his Qualcomm career as an engineer and, for more than 20 years, has helped define and implement Qualcomm’s strategy and technologies. He also serves on the company’s board of directors.

Mollenkopf oversaw Qualcomm’s investment in technologies that propelled smartphones into the mainstream. During his tenure as president and chief operating officer, Qualcomm became a leader in mobile technology, including computing, graphics, and multimedia. The Company also extended its 3G and 4G modem leadership position.

Prior to his role as president and COO, Mollenkopf led the Company’s chipset business, overseeing the launch of 4G technology. He helped make Qualcomm the world’s largest mobile chipset supplier and a global leader in LTE technology. He guided QCT through the worldwide expansion of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology; the introduction of Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) technology; the launch of 4G/LTE systems; and drove Qualcomm’s technology leadership position in smartphones.

He also spearheaded the Company’s largest acquisition, the $3.1 billion purchase of chipmaker Atheros. The deal helped expand Qualcomm’s business far beyond smartphones and accelerated the adoption of Qualcomm’s technologies and platforms in new segments.

Mollenkopf is a published IEEE author and holds seven patents in areas such as power estimation and measurement, multi-standard transmitters, and wireless communication transceiver technology. Mollenkopf is chairman of the Technology CEO Council, a board member for the Semiconductor Industry Association, and a past chairman of the Global Semiconductor Alliance.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan.