QUALCOMM APPOINTS KEVIN O’BUCKLEY TO LEAD GLOBAL OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN

Qualcomm has named Kevin O’Buckley as Executive Vice President Global Operations and Supply Chain, effective 2 March 2026. Reporting to CFO and COO Akash Palkhiwala, O’Buckley will oversee semiconductor operations worldwide. He brings three decades of leadership experience from Intel, IBM, GlobalFoundries and Marvell, strengthening Qualcomm’s manufacturing and supply chain strategy.  

Qualcomm Incorporated has announced the appointment of Kevin O’Buckley as Executive Vice President Global Operations and Supply Chain, effective 2 March 2026. In this newly defined role, O’Buckley will take charge of the company’s global semiconductor operations, spanning manufacturing engineering, foundry and supplier partnerships, supply chain management and procurement. He will report directly to Akash Palkhiwala, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, underscoring the strategic importance of the position within Qualcomm’s leadership structure.  

O’Buckley joins Qualcomm from Intel, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Intel Foundry Services. At Intel, he was responsible for leading global foundry operations, including advanced packaging, process technology and supplier partnerships. His tenure at Intel was marked by efforts to expand the company’s foundry capabilities and strengthen its position in the competitive semiconductor landscape.  

With a career spanning more than three decades, O’Buckley brings a wealth of experience across some of the industry’s most influential companies. His professional journey includes leadership roles at IBM, GlobalFoundries and Marvell, where he honed his expertise in semiconductor operations and complex supply chain management. This breadth of experience positions him as a seasoned executive capable of navigating the challenges of global semiconductor production, a sector that has faced increasing scrutiny and demand in recent years.  

Qualcomm’s decision to appoint O’Buckley reflects the company’s recognition of the critical role supply chain resilience and operational excellence play in the semiconductor industry. The past few years have highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, with disruptions affecting industries from automotive to consumer electronics. By bringing in a leader with deep operational knowledge and a proven track record, Qualcomm aims to reinforce its ability to deliver innovation at scale while managing the complexities of global manufacturing.  

Akash Palkhiwala, who oversees both financial and operational functions at Qualcomm, will be O’Buckley’s direct reporting line. This alignment signals the company’s intent to integrate supply chain strategy closely with financial and operational planning. For Qualcomm, which continues to expand its presence in mobile, automotive, and connected device markets, ensuring a robust and agile supply chain is essential to sustaining growth and meeting customer demand.  

O’Buckley’s appointment also comes at a time when the semiconductor industry is undergoing significant transformation. Advances in process technology, packaging innovation and foundry partnerships are reshaping the competitive landscape. Qualcomm, known for its leadership in mobile chipsets and wireless technologies, is increasingly reliant on efficient global operations to maintain its edge. O’Buckley’s experience at Intel Foundry Services, where he managed advanced packaging and supplier collaborations, is expected to be particularly valuable as Qualcomm navigates these shifts.  

Industry observers note that O’Buckley’s leadership style, shaped by his tenure across multiple organisations, combines technical expertise with strategic foresight. His ability to manage complex supplier ecosystems and drive operational efficiency will be critical as Qualcomm continues to scale its semiconductor operations. Moreover, his familiarity with both established players and emerging technologies in the sector provides Qualcomm with a leader attuned to the evolving demands of the industry.  

For Qualcomm, the appointment represents more than a leadership change; it is a statement of intent. By strengthening its operational leadership, the company is positioning itself to address both immediate challenges and long-term opportunities in the semiconductor market. O’Buckley’s arrival is expected to bolster Qualcomm’s capacity to innovate, deliver and compete in a sector where supply chain resilience and operational agility are increasingly decisive.  

As he steps into his new role, O’Buckley will be tasked with ensuring Qualcomm’s global operations remain robust, efficient and forward-looking. His appointment underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and its determination to remain at the forefront of semiconductor innovation. For Qualcomm’s partners, customers and stakeholders, the move signals confidence in the company’s ability to navigate the complexities of the global semiconductor ecosystem with renewed strength and vision.