INDUSTRY NEWS

Robert F. Graham, the former head of Novellus Systems and a cofounder of Intel, died September 3 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 69.

Praising his vision, colleagues credit Mr. Graham with helping to transform a farming community into the Silicon Valley. His achievements include urging the computer industry to switch to semiconductors from vacuum tubes; selling the first merchant microchips; and developing marketing concepts for the microprocessor. As an executive at both companies, Mr. Graham also oversaw the establishment of successful Japanese operations for both Intel and Applied Materials.

As CEO of Novellus, Mr. Graham put the San Jose—based company on a solid financial path, according to Richard Hill, current chairman and CEO. "Without Mr. Graham, the semiconductor capital equipment industry wouldn't know what productivity is. Novellus' reputation...is built on the discipline and culture Bob instilled in the company and is a part of his lasting legacy. He will be sorely missed by all of us."

"He heard things no one else heard, saw things no one else saw, and then was able to inspire others to pursue and successfully execute the opportunities he had envisioned," reminisced Dave Toole, chairman of GaSonics International and a long-time friend. "He was a great mentor to many of us here in the Valley and someone to whom we owe a profound debt."

Mr. Graham was graduated with honors from UCLA with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering. He joined Novellus as CEO and president in 1986 and was elected to its board of directors that year. In 1992 the board selected him as chairman, a post he held until his retirement in 1996. During his 10 years with Novellus, the manufacturer of deposition equipment grew from $3.5 million in revenues to $500 million. In 1995 the UCLA School of Engineering presented Mr. Graham with its Alumnus of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the semiconductor industry.

Mr. Graham is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy; a son, Todd; a daughter, Lisa; and a grandson, Robert. In lieu of flowers his family requests that donations be made to the Yosemite Fund, a project to aid Yosemite Park with which Mr. Graham was involved for a long time.

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