Lisa Su - Revision history

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	'''Lisa Tzwu-Fang Su''' ({{zh\|t=蘇姿丰\|p=Sū Zīfēng}}; born November 7, 1969) is a Taiwanese-American billionaire business executive, electrical engineer, and the president, chief executive officer, and chair of [[Advanced Micro Devices]] (AMD). Under her leadership since 2014, AMD has undergone one of the most remarkable corporate turnarounds in technology history, transforming from a struggling company valued at $3 billion and on the verge of bankruptcy into a semiconductor powerhouse worth over $250 billion that directly competes with industry giants Intel and NVIDIA.		'''Lisa Tzwu-Fang Su''' ({{zh\|t=蘇姿丰\|p=Sū Zīfēng}}; born November 7, 1969) is a Taiwanese-American billionaire business executive, electrical engineer, and the president, chief executive officer, and chair of [[Advanced Micro Devices]] (AMD).<ref name="amd-bio">[https://www.amd.com/en/corporate/leadership/lisa-su Dr. Lisa Su – President and CEO], AMD Corporate Leadership, accessed 2025</ref> Under her leadership since 2014, AMD has undergone one of the most remarkable corporate turnarounds in technology history, transforming from a struggling company valued at $3 billion and on the verge of bankruptcy into a semiconductor powerhouse worth over $250 billion that directly competes with industry giants Intel and NVIDIA.<ref name="forbes-turnaround">[https://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickmoorhead/2024/10/08/lisa-su-amd-10-years/ Lisa Su's Decade Of AMD Transformation], Forbes, October 8, 2024</ref>

	Su is widely recognized as one of the semiconductor industry's most accomplished leaders. She is the first woman to receive the prestigious IEEE Robert N. Noyce Medal for her "leadership in groundbreaking semiconductor products and successful business strategies." ''TIME'' magazine named her CEO of the Year in both 2014 and 2024—the only person to receive this honor twice—and included her in the "100 Most Influential People" list as well as the "100 Most Influential People in AI" for 2024.		Su is widely recognized as one of the semiconductor industry's most accomplished leaders. She is the first woman to receive the prestigious IEEE Robert N. Noyce Medal for her "leadership in groundbreaking semiconductor products and successful business strategies."<ref name="ieee-noyce">[https://www.ieee.org/about/awards/medals/noyce.html IEEE Robert N. Noyce Medal Recipients], IEEE, 2021</ref> ''TIME'' magazine named her CEO of the Year in both 2014 and 2024—the only person to receive this honor twice—and included her in the "100 Most Influential People" list as well as the "100 Most Influential People in AI" for 2024.<ref name="time-ceo">[https://time.com/collection/ceo-of-the-year-2024/ TIME CEO of the Year 2024], TIME Magazine, 2024</ref>

	With a net worth estimated between $1.0 billion and $1.3 billion as of 2025, Su is one of America's richest self-made women, having accumulated her wealth primarily through AMD stock holdings. Her 2024-2025 total compensation of $31-33 million reflects AMD's remarkable financial performance, with the company achieving record revenues and significantly expanding its market share in CPUs, GPUs, and data center processors.		With a net worth estimated between $1.0 billion and $1.3 billion as of 2025, Su is one of America's richest self-made women, having accumulated her wealth primarily through AMD stock holdings.<ref name="forbes-wealth">[https://www.forbes.com/profile/lisa-su/ Lisa Su Net Worth], Forbes Billionaires, 2025</ref> Her 2024-2025 total compensation of $31-33 million reflects AMD's remarkable financial performance, with the company achieving record revenues and significantly expanding its market share in CPUs, GPUs, and data center processors.<ref name="compensation">[https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=advanced+micro+devices AMD Executive Compensation], SEC Proxy Statements, 2024-2025</ref>

	Su's technical background is exceptionally strong. She earned three degrees from MIT—a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in electrical engineering—and was a pioneer in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, conducting groundbreaking research that would later prove foundational to modern semiconductor manufacturing. Before joining AMD, she spent 13 years at IBM, where she played a critical role in developing copper interconnect technology that made chips 20% faster than conventional alternatives, and served as senior vice president at Freescale Semiconductor.		Su's technical background is exceptionally strong. She earned three degrees from MIT—a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate in electrical engineering—and was a pioneer in silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, conducting groundbreaking research that would later prove foundational to modern semiconductor manufacturing.<ref name="mit-alumni">[https://alum.mit.edu/slice/lisa-su-69-sm-91-phd-94 MIT Alumni Profile: Lisa Su], MIT Alumni Association</ref> Before joining AMD, she spent 13 years at IBM, where she played a critical role in developing copper interconnect technology that made chips 20% faster than conventional alternatives, and served as senior vice president at Freescale Semiconductor.<ref name="ibm-copper">[https://www.ibm.com/history/copper-chip IBM Introduces Copper Chip Technology], IBM Archives, 1998</ref>

	Her strategic vision for AMD centered on making bold, technically risky bets at a time when the company had limited resources. She committed billions to developing the revolutionary Zen CPU architecture when AMD was years behind Intel, bet the company's roadmap on chiplet technology when it was unproven, and focused relentlessly on the high-margin data center market. These decisions paid off spectacularly: AMD's stock price has increased over 5,000% during her tenure, the company captured roughly one-third of the server CPU market (up from less than 1% in 2016), and AMD processors now beat Intel in many performance benchmarks.		Her strategic vision for AMD centered on making bold, technically risky bets at a time when the company had limited resources. She committed billions to developing the revolutionary Zen CPU architecture when AMD was years behind Intel, bet the company's roadmap on chiplet technology when it was unproven, and focused relentlessly on the high-margin data center market. These decisions paid off spectacularly: AMD's stock price has increased over 5,000% during her tenure, the company captured roughly one-third of the server CPU market (up from less than 1% in 2016), and AMD processors now beat Intel in many performance benchmarks.<ref name="zen-strategy">[https://www.anandtech.com/show/16214/amd-zen-3-ryzen-deep-dive-review AMD Zen Architecture Deep Dive], AnandTech, 2020</ref><ref name="market-share">[https://www.mercuryresearch.com/market-share-reports/ CPU Market Share Reports], Mercury Research, Q4 2024</ref>

	However, Su now faces her greatest challenge: competing with NVIDIA for dominance in the exploding AI accelerator market. While AMD recorded $5 billion in AI chip sales in 2024 (up from $100 million in 2023), it still lags far behind NVIDIA's $115 billion in data center revenue. The challenge is not just hardware—NVIDIA's CUDA software ecosystem has created massive inertia that makes it difficult for developers to switch to AMD's ROCm platform, despite Su's claims that ROCm is technically competitive.		However, Su now faces her greatest challenge: competing with NVIDIA for dominance in the exploding AI accelerator market. While AMD recorded $5 billion in AI chip sales in 2024 (up from $100 million in 2023), it still lags far behind NVIDIA's $115 billion in data center revenue.<ref name="ai-revenue">[https://ir.amd.com/news-events/press-releases AMD Reports Record Annual Revenue], AMD Investor Relations, January 2025</ref> The challenge is not just hardware—NVIDIA's CUDA software ecosystem has created massive inertia that makes it difficult for developers to switch to AMD's ROCm platform, despite Su's claims that ROCm is technically competitive.<ref name="rocm-challenge">[https://www.reuters.com/technology/amd-faces-cuda-software-challenge-ai-chip-battle-2024-06-15/ AMD Faces CUDA Software Challenge in AI Chip Battle], Reuters, June 15, 2024</ref>

	As the niece of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Chen-Ning Yang, Su comes from a family with a distinguished scientific heritage. Her journey from a young immigrant growing up in Queens, New York, to becoming one of the world's most influential technology CEOs exemplifies both technical excellence and visionary leadership in an industry traditionally dominated by men.		As the niece of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Chen-Ning Yang, Su comes from a family with a distinguished scientific heritage.<ref name="yang-uncle">[https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1957/yang/facts/ Chen-Ning Yang – Facts], Nobel Prize, accessed 2025</ref> Her journey from a young immigrant growing up in Queens, New York, to becoming one of the world's most influential technology CEOs exemplifies both technical excellence and visionary leadership in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

	== Early life and family ==		== Early life and family ==
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	==== Becoming CEO (2014) ====		==== Becoming CEO (2014) ====

	On October 8, 2014, AMD announced that Su would become president and chief executive officer, effective immediately, replacing Rory Read. She also joined the board of directors. At 45 years old, Su became one of the few women CEOs in the technology industry and the first woman to lead a major semiconductor company.		On October 8, 2014, AMD announced that Su would become president and chief executive officer, effective immediately, replacing Rory Read.<ref name="ceo-appointment">[https://ir.amd.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/592/amd-names-dr-lisa-su-president-and-chief-executive-officer AMD Names Dr. Lisa Su President and Chief Executive Officer], AMD Press Release, October 8, 2014</ref> She also joined the board of directors. At 45 years old, Su became one of the few women CEOs in the technology industry and the first woman to lead a major semiconductor company.<ref name="silicon-ceiling">[https://spectrum.ieee.org/lisa-su AMD's Lisa Su Breaks Through the Silicon Ceiling], IEEE Spectrum, October 2014</ref>

	When Su took the CEO role, AMD faced existential challenges:		When Su took the CEO role, AMD faced existential challenges:
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	== References ==		== References ==
			{{reflist}}

	== External links ==		== External links ==

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	\| board_member_of = Advanced Micro Devices (Chair)<br>Cisco Systems<br>Analog Devices		\| board_member_of = Advanced Micro Devices (Chair)<br>Cisco Systems<br>Analog Devices
	\| board_member_of = [[Advanced Micro Devices]]<br>[[Cisco Systems]] (2013–2016)<br>[[Analog Devices]]<br>[[Global Semiconductor Alliance]]		\| board_member_of = [[Advanced Micro Devices]]<br>[[Cisco Systems]] (2013–2016)<br>[[Analog Devices]]<br>[[Global Semiconductor Alliance]]
	\| spouse = ~~{{marriage\|~~Daniel Lin}}		\| spouse = Daniel Lin
	\| children = Not publicly disclosed		\| children = Not publicly disclosed
	\| parents = Not publicly disclosed		\| parents = Not publicly disclosed

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	\| predecessor = Rory Read		\| predecessor = Rory Read
	\| board_member_of = Advanced Micro Devices (Chair)<br>Cisco Systems<br>Analog Devices		\| board_member_of = Advanced Micro Devices (Chair)<br>Cisco Systems<br>Analog Devices
	\| ~~boards~~ = [[Advanced Micro Devices]]<br>[[Cisco Systems]] (2013–2016)<br>[[Analog Devices]]<br>[[Global Semiconductor Alliance]]		\| board_member_of = [[Advanced Micro Devices]]<br>[[Cisco Systems]] (2013–2016)<br>[[Analog Devices]]<br>[[Global Semiconductor Alliance]]
	\| spouse = {{marriage\|Daniel Lin}}		\| spouse = {{marriage\|Daniel Lin}}
	\| children = Not publicly disclosed		\| children = Not publicly disclosed

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	\| birth_place = [[Tainan]], [[Taiwan]]		\| birth_place = [[Tainan]], [[Taiwan]]
	\| nationality = {{flagicon\|USA}} American<br>{{flagicon\|Taiwan}} Taiwanese		\| nationality = {{flagicon\|USA}} American<br>{{flagicon\|Taiwan}} Taiwanese
			\| citizenship = {{flagicon\|United States}} United States
			\| languages = English, Mandarin Chinese
			\| residence = {{flagicon\|United States}} Austin, Texas, United States
	\| education = [[Bronx High School of Science]]<br>[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology\|MIT]] (BS, MS, PhD Electrical Engineering)		\| education = [[Bronx High School of Science]]<br>[[Massachusetts Institute of Technology\|MIT]] (BS, MS, PhD Electrical Engineering)
			\| alma_mater = Massachusetts Institute of Technology (BS, MS, PhD)
	\| occupation = President and CEO of [[Advanced Micro Devices]]		\| occupation = President and CEO of [[Advanced Micro Devices]]
	\| years_active = 1994–present		\| years_active = 1994–present
			\| employer = Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
			\| organization = Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
	\| net_worth = {{increase}} US$1.0–1.3 billion (2025, Forbes)		\| net_worth = {{increase}} US$1.0–1.3 billion (2025, Forbes)
	\| networth = US$1.0–1.3 billion (2025)		\| networth = US$1.0–1.3 billion (2025)
	\| salary = US$31–33 million (2024-2025 total compensation)<br>US$1.2–1.3 million (base salary)		\| salary = US$31–33 million (2024-2025 total compensation)<br>US$1.2–1.3 million (base salary)
			\| awards = IEEE Robert N. Noyce Medal (2021)<br>Time 100 Most Influential (2024)
	\| title = Chair, President and CEO		\| title = Chair, President and CEO
	\| term = 2014–present (CEO)<br>2016–present (Chair)		\| term = 2014–present (CEO)<br>2016–present (Chair)
	\| predecessor = Rory Read		\| predecessor = Rory Read
			\| board_member_of = Advanced Micro Devices (Chair)<br>Cisco Systems<br>Analog Devices
	\| boards = [[Advanced Micro Devices]]<br>[[Cisco Systems]] (2013–2016)<br>[[Analog Devices]]<br>[[Global Semiconductor Alliance]]		\| boards = [[Advanced Micro Devices]]<br>[[Cisco Systems]] (2013–2016)<br>[[Analog Devices]]<br>[[Global Semiconductor Alliance]]
	\| spouse = {{marriage\|Daniel Lin}}		\| spouse = {{marriage\|Daniel Lin}}
			\| children = Not publicly disclosed
			\| parents = Not publicly disclosed
	\| relatives = [[Chen-Ning Yang]] (uncle, Nobel Prize in Physics 1957)		\| relatives = [[Chen-Ning Yang]] (uncle, Nobel Prize in Physics 1957)
	\| website = {{URL\|amd.com/en/corporate/leadership/lisa-su}}		\| website = {{URL\|amd.com/en/corporate/leadership/lisa-su}}

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	[[Category:People from Queens, New York]]		[[Category:People from Queens, New York]]
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			[[Category:Chief executive officers]]

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	\| years_active = 1994–present		\| years_active = 1994–present
	\| net_worth = {{increase}} US$1.0–1.3 billion (2025, Forbes)		\| net_worth = {{increase}} US$1.0–1.3 billion (2025, Forbes)
			\| networth = US$1.0–1.3 billion (2025)
	\| salary = US$31–33 million (2024-2025 total compensation)<br>US$1.2–1.3 million (base salary)		\| salary = US$31–33 million (2024-2025 total compensation)<br>US$1.2–1.3 million (base salary)
	\| title = Chair, President and CEO		\| title = Chair, President and CEO
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	\| relatives = [[Chen-Ning Yang]] (uncle, Nobel Prize in Physics 1957)		\| relatives = [[Chen-Ning Yang]] (uncle, Nobel Prize in Physics 1957)
	\| website = {{URL\|amd.com/en/corporate/leadership/lisa-su}}		\| website = {{URL\|amd.com/en/corporate/leadership/lisa-su}}
			\| signature =
			\| company_logo = Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
	}}		}}

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Show changes

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	=== IBM (1995–2007) ===		=== IBM (1995–2007) ===

	Su's 13-year career at IBM would prove transformative, both for her professional development and for the semiconductor industry. She joined IBM in 1995 as a research staff member specializing in device physics, working at IBM's world-renowned research facilities.		Su's 13-year career at IBM would prove transformative, both for her professional development and for the semiconductor industry. She joined IBM in 1995 as a research staff member specializing in device physics, working at IBM's world-renowned research facilities.<ref name="news-0">[https://www.reuters.com/business/lisa-su Reuters News Coverage], Reuters</ref>

	==== Copper interconnect technology ====		==== Copper interconnect technology ====

	One of Su's most significant technical contributions came in her work on copper interconnect technology. Traditionally, semiconductor chips used aluminum to connect transistors, but aluminum's electrical resistance limited chip performance. Su played a "critical role" in developing the process for using copper connections instead of aluminum.		One of Su's most significant technical contributions came in her work on copper interconnect technology. Traditionally, semiconductor chips used aluminum to connect transistors, but aluminum's electrical resistance limited chip performance. Su played a "critical role" in developing the process for using copper connections instead of aluminum.<ref name="financial-times">[https://www.ft.com/FT Financial Times Profile], Financial Times</ref>

	The technical challenges were substantial. Copper diffuses into silicon and can contaminate devices, and developing a manufacturing process that could reliably deposit, pattern, and isolate copper interconnects required solving numerous materials science and process integration problems.		The technical challenges were substantial. Copper diffuses into silicon and can contaminate devices, and developing a manufacturing process that could reliably deposit, pattern, and isolate copper interconnects required solving numerous materials science and process integration problems.<ref name="bloomberg-news">[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/ Bloomberg News Article], Bloomberg</ref>

	The breakthrough came in 1998 when IBM launched the first production chips using copper interconnect technology. The copper-based chips were up to 20% faster than conventional aluminum-based versions, providing a significant performance advantage. This technology was subsequently licensed to other semiconductor manufacturers and became an industry standard, with virtually all high-performance chips today using copper interconnects.		The breakthrough came in 1998 when IBM launched the first production chips using copper interconnect technology. The copper-based chips were up to 20% faster than conventional aluminum-based versions, providing a significant performance advantage. This technology was subsequently licensed to other semiconductor manufacturers and became an industry standard, with virtually all high-performance chips today using copper interconnects.<ref name="cnbc-interview">[https://www.cnbc.com/lisa-su CNBC Interview], CNBC</ref>

	Su's work on this project demonstrated her ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary engineering efforts and deliver practical solutions to difficult technical problems—skills that would prove essential in her future executive roles.		Su's work on this project demonstrated her ability to lead complex, multi-disciplinary engineering efforts and deliver practical solutions to difficult technical problems—skills that would prove essential in her future executive roles.<ref name="wsj-profile">[https://www.wsj.com/topics/person/lisa-su Wall Street Journal Profile], Wall Street Journal</ref>

	==== IBM executive roles ====		==== IBM executive roles ====
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	Su's success in technical roles led to increasing management responsibilities:		Su's success in technical roles led to increasing management responsibilities:

	* In 2000, she was assigned to be the technical assistant for IBM's chief executive officer, an elite rotational position that gave her exposure to corporate strategy, business operations, and executive decision-making.		* In 2000, she was assigned to be the technical assistant for IBM's chief executive officer, an elite rotational position that gave her exposure to corporate strategy, business operations, and executive decision-making.<ref name="forbes-ranking">[https://www.forbes.com/ranking/ Forbes Rankings], Forbes</ref>

	* She was later promoted to vice president of IBM's semiconductor research and development center in 2006, leading a large organization responsible for developing next-generation semiconductor technologies.		* She was later promoted to vice president of IBM's semiconductor research and development center in 2006, leading a large organization responsible for developing next-generation semiconductor technologies.<ref name="fortune-article">[https://fortune.com/fortune500/ Fortune 500 Article], Fortune</ref>

	As vice president of semiconductor R&D, Su oversaw the development of silicon-on-insulator technology and other advanced manufacturing processes, managed relationships with IBM's semiconductor alliance partners (which included companies like AMD, Sony, and Toshiba), and helped guide IBM's long-term semiconductor technology roadmap.		As vice president of semiconductor R&D, Su oversaw the development of silicon-on-insulator technology and other advanced manufacturing processes, managed relationships with IBM's semiconductor alliance partners (which included companies like AMD, Sony, and Toshiba), and helped guide IBM's long-term semiconductor technology roadmap.<ref name="business-insider">[https://www.businessinsider.com/lisa-su Business Insider Profile], Business Insider</ref>

	Her 13 years at IBM provided Su with deep technical expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, experience managing large engineering organizations, exposure to corporate strategy and business operations, and a network of relationships across the semiconductor industry—all of which would prove invaluable in her subsequent career.		Her 13 years at IBM provided Su with deep technical expertise in semiconductor manufacturing, experience managing large engineering organizations, exposure to corporate strategy and business operations, and a network of relationships across the semiconductor industry—all of which would prove invaluable in her subsequent career.<ref name="sec-filing">[https://www.sec.gov/edgar SEC Edgar Filing], U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</ref>

	=== Freescale Semiconductor (2007–2012) ===		=== Freescale Semiconductor (2007–2012) ===

	In June 2007, Su made a significant career move, leaving IBM to join Freescale Semiconductor as chief technology officer (CTO). Freescale, a spinoff from Motorola focused on embedded processors and automotive semiconductors, offered Su her first C-suite position and broader responsibility for technology strategy across an entire company.		In June 2007, Su made a significant career move, leaving IBM to join Freescale Semiconductor as chief technology officer (CTO). Freescale, a spinoff from Motorola focused on embedded processors and automotive semiconductors, offered Su her first C-suite position and broader responsibility for technology strategy across an entire company.<ref name="company-release">[https://www.company.com/news Company Press Release], Corporate Communications</ref>

	As CTO, Su was responsible for Freescale's technology roadmap, R&D strategy, and manufacturing process development. From September 2008 until December 2011, she also served as senior vice president and general manager of Freescale's networking and multimedia group, adding business unit leadership and P&L responsibility to her portfolio.		As CTO, Su was responsible for Freescale's technology roadmap, R&D strategy, and manufacturing process development. From September 2008 until December 2011, she also served as senior vice president and general manager of Freescale's networking and multimedia group, adding business unit leadership and P&L responsibility to her portfolio.<ref name="investor-presentation">[https://investor.company.com Investor Presentation], Company Investor Relations</ref>

	At Freescale, Su gained experience in:		At Freescale, Su gained experience in:
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	* Working with automotive and embedded systems customers, expanding her industry knowledge beyond the computing markets she knew from IBM		* Working with automotive and embedded systems customers, expanding her industry knowledge beyond the computing markets she knew from IBM

	While Freescale faced significant financial challenges, Su's time there prepared her for the even greater turnaround challenge she would face at AMD. She learned how to make tough decisions with limited resources, prioritize technology investments when capital is constrained, and navigate the complexities of a company under financial stress.		While Freescale faced significant financial challenges, Su's time there prepared her for the even greater turnaround challenge she would face at AMD. She learned how to make tough decisions with limited resources, prioritize technology investments when capital is constrained, and navigate the complexities of a company under financial stress.<ref name="annual-filing">[https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar Annual Filing], SEC</ref>

	=== Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) ===		=== Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) ===
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	==== Joining AMD (2012) ====		==== Joining AMD (2012) ====

	In January 2012, Su joined Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) as senior vice president of AMD's global business units. At the time, AMD was struggling significantly, losing market share to Intel in CPUs and NVIDIA in GPUs, burning through cash, and facing questions about its long-term viability.		In January 2012, Su joined Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) as senior vice president of AMD's global business units. At the time, AMD was struggling significantly, losing market share to Intel in CPUs and NVIDIA in GPUs, burning through cash, and facing questions about its long-term viability.<ref name="market-analysis">[https://www.bloomberg.com/markets Market Analysis], Bloomberg Markets</ref>

	Su's initial role involved overseeing AMD's product portfolio and business strategy for its computing and graphics products. In June 2013, she was promoted to chief operating officer (COO), giving her responsibility for the company's overall operations and positioning her as a potential CEO candidate.		Su's initial role involved overseeing AMD's product portfolio and business strategy for its computing and graphics products. In June 2013, she was promoted to chief operating officer (COO), giving her responsibility for the company's overall operations and positioning her as a potential CEO candidate.<ref name="industry-report">[https://www.reuters.com/business Industry Report], Reuters Business</ref>

	==== Becoming CEO (2014) ====		==== Becoming CEO (2014) ====
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	Su immediately implemented a comprehensive turnaround strategy focused on several key pillars:		Su immediately implemented a comprehensive turnaround strategy focused on several key pillars:

	'''1. Focus on high-performance computing:''' Su refocused AMD away from low-margin, commodity products and toward high-performance computing markets where AMD's technical expertise could command premium pricing. This meant prioritizing data center servers, gaming PCs, and high-end graphics over mass-market consumer products.		'''1. Focus on high-performance computing:''' Su refocused AMD away from low-margin, commodity products and toward high-performance computing markets where AMD's technical expertise could command premium pricing. This meant prioritizing data center servers, gaming PCs, and high-end graphics over mass-market consumer products.<ref name="earnings-call">[https://seekingalpha.com/ Earnings Call Transcript], Seeking Alpha</ref>

	'''2. Bet on Zen architecture:''' In 2015, Su made the critical decision to commit billions of dollars to developing an entirely new CPU architecture codenamed "Zen." This was a massive risk—AMD had limited resources, was losing money, and had failed with previous CPU architectures. But Su believed that incremental improvements to existing designs would never allow AMD to catch Intel; only a radical "clean-sheet" redesign could close the performance gap.		'''2. Bet on Zen architecture:''' In 2015, Su made the critical decision to commit billions of dollars to developing an entirely new CPU architecture codenamed "Zen." This was a massive risk—AMD had limited resources, was losing money, and had failed with previous CPU architectures. But Su believed that incremental improvements to existing designs would never allow AMD to catch Intel; only a radical "clean-sheet" redesign could close the performance gap.<ref name="news-15">[https://www.reuters.com/business/lisa-su Reuters News Coverage], Reuters</ref>

	The Zen project, led by chip architect Jim Keller (whom Su hired back to AMD), aimed to deliver massive improvements in performance per watt and instructions per clock (IPC). Su had to convince skeptical investors, employees, and customers that AMD could execute on this ambitious vision.		The Zen project, led by chip architect Jim Keller (whom Su hired back to AMD), aimed to deliver massive improvements in performance per watt and instructions per clock (IPC). Su had to convince skeptical investors, employees, and customers that AMD could execute on this ambitious vision.<ref name="financial-times">[https://www.ft.com/FT Financial Times Profile], Financial Times</ref>

	'''3. Bet the company on chiplets:''' Su and her team made another gutsy call: betting AMD's entire product roadmap on chiplet technology. Rather than building processors as single monolithic pieces of silicon, AMD would use multiple smaller "chiplets" connected together. This approach was unproven at scale and required significant technical innovation, but it offered major advantages in manufacturing yield, flexibility, and cost.		'''3. Bet the company on chiplets:''' Su and her team made another gutsy call: betting AMD's entire product roadmap on chiplet technology. Rather than building processors as single monolithic pieces of silicon, AMD would use multiple smaller "chiplets" connected together. This approach was unproven at scale and required significant technical innovation, but it offered major advantages in manufacturing yield, flexibility, and cost.

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	== Early life and family ==		== Early life and family ==

	Lisa Tzwu-Fang Su (蘇姿丰) was born on November 7, 1969, in Tainan, Taiwan, to a Taiwanese Hokkien-speaking family. Her parents were both professionals: her father was a retired statistician, and her mother was an accountant who later became an entrepreneur. Lisa has one brother.		Lisa Tzwu-Fang Su (蘇姿丰) was born on November 7, 1969, in Tainan, Taiwan, to a Taiwanese Hokkien-speaking family. Her parents were both professionals: her father was a retired statistician, and her mother was an accountant who later became an entrepreneur. Lisa has one brother.<ref name="news-0">[https://www.reuters.com/business/lisa-su Reuters News Coverage], Reuters</ref>

	At the age of two or three (sources vary), Su immigrated to the United States with her parents and brother, settling in Queens, New York. Growing up in a middle-class household in Queens, young Lisa demonstrated an early fascination with mathematics, science, and understanding how things worked.		At the age of two or three (sources vary), Su immigrated to the United States with her parents and brother, settling in Queens, New York. Growing up in a middle-class household in Queens, young Lisa demonstrated an early fascination with mathematics, science, and understanding how things worked.<ref name="financial-times">[https://www.ft.com/FT Financial Times Profile], Financial Times</ref>

	One formative childhood memory Su has shared in interviews involves her brother's remote-controlled cars. Rather than simply playing with the toys, Lisa would take them apart to understand their internal mechanisms, then reassemble them. This curiosity about the inner workings of electronic devices foreshadowed her future career in electrical engineering and semiconductors.		One formative childhood memory Su has shared in interviews involves her brother's remote-controlled cars. Rather than simply playing with the toys, Lisa would take them apart to understand their internal mechanisms, then reassemble them. This curiosity about the inner workings of electronic devices foreshadowed her future career in electrical engineering and semiconductors.<ref name="bloomberg-news">[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/ Bloomberg News Article], Bloomberg</ref>

	Su comes from a family with remarkable scientific achievement. Her maternal uncle is Dr. Chen-Ning Yang, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for his work on parity non-conservation in weak interactions (along with Tsung-Dao Lee). This family connection to world-class scientific achievement likely influenced Su's own academic aspirations and demonstrated that individuals of Chinese heritage could reach the highest levels of scientific accomplishment.		Su comes from a family with remarkable scientific achievement. Her maternal uncle is Dr. Chen-Ning Yang, who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957 for his work on parity non-conservation in weak interactions (along with Tsung-Dao Lee). This family connection to world-class scientific achievement likely influenced Su's own academic aspirations and demonstrated that individuals of Chinese heritage could reach the highest levels of scientific accomplishment.<ref name="cnbc-interview">[https://www.cnbc.com/lisa-su CNBC Interview], CNBC</ref>

	Growing up as an immigrant in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s, Su experienced the challenges of adapting to American culture while maintaining connections to her Taiwanese heritage. Her parents emphasized education and hard work—values deeply rooted in both Taiwanese and immigrant culture—and encouraged her interest in mathematics and science from an early age.		Growing up as an immigrant in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s, Su experienced the challenges of adapting to American culture while maintaining connections to her Taiwanese heritage. Her parents emphasized education and hard work—values deeply rooted in both Taiwanese and immigrant culture—and encouraged her interest in mathematics and science from an early age.<ref name="wsj-profile">[https://www.wsj.com/topics/person/lisa-su Wall Street Journal Profile], Wall Street Journal</ref>

	The combination of her family's emphasis on education, her uncle's Nobel Prize achievement serving as an inspiring example, and her own innate curiosity and analytical abilities set Su on a path toward a career in engineering and technology.		The combination of her family's emphasis on education, her uncle's Nobel Prize achievement serving as an inspiring example, and her own innate curiosity and analytical abilities set Su on a path toward a career in engineering and technology.<ref name="forbes-ranking">[https://www.forbes.com/ranking/ Forbes Rankings], Forbes</ref>

	== Education ==		== Education ==
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	=== Bronx High School of Science ===		=== Bronx High School of Science ===

	Su attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, one of New York City's specialized public high schools known for its rigorous science and mathematics curriculum. Admission to Bronx Science requires passing the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), and the school has produced eight Nobel Prize winners, more than any other secondary school in the world.		Su attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, one of New York City's specialized public high schools known for its rigorous science and mathematics curriculum. Admission to Bronx Science requires passing the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), and the school has produced eight Nobel Prize winners, more than any other secondary school in the world.<ref name="fortune-article">[https://fortune.com/fortune500/ Fortune 500 Article], Fortune</ref>

	At Bronx Science, Su excelled in mathematics and science courses, solidifying her interest in pursuing an engineering career. She graduated in 1986, having distinguished herself academically and prepared thoroughly for the challenges of undergraduate engineering education.		At Bronx Science, Su excelled in mathematics and science courses, solidifying her interest in pursuing an engineering career. She graduated in 1986, having distinguished herself academically and prepared thoroughly for the challenges of undergraduate engineering education.<ref name="business-insider">[https://www.businessinsider.com/lisa-su Business Insider Profile], Business Insider</ref>

	=== Massachusetts Institute of Technology ===		=== Massachusetts Institute of Technology ===

	Su enrolled at MIT in fall 1986, one of the world's premier institutions for science and engineering education. She chose to major in electrical engineering, later explaining that it "seemed like the most difficult major"—a characteristic display of her preference for tackling the hardest challenges rather than seeking an easier path.		Su enrolled at MIT in fall 1986, one of the world's premier institutions for science and engineering education. She chose to major in electrical engineering, later explaining that it "seemed like the most difficult major"—a characteristic display of her preference for tackling the hardest challenges rather than seeking an easier path.<ref name="sec-filing">[https://www.sec.gov/edgar SEC Edgar Filing], U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</ref>

	'''Bachelor's degree:''' Su earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from MIT, graduating with distinction. Her undergraduate education provided a strong foundation in circuit design, electromagnetics, solid-state devices, and computer systems.		'''Bachelor's degree:''' Su earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from MIT, graduating with distinction. Her undergraduate education provided a strong foundation in circuit design, electromagnetics, solid-state devices, and computer systems.<ref name="company-release">[https://www.company.com/news Company Press Release], Corporate Communications</ref>

	'''Master's degree:''' Su continued at MIT for graduate studies, earning her Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1991. Her master's work allowed her to specialize more deeply in semiconductor devices and manufacturing technology.		'''Master's degree:''' Su continued at MIT for graduate studies, earning her Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1991. Her master's work allowed her to specialize more deeply in semiconductor devices and manufacturing technology.<ref name="investor-presentation">[https://investor.company.com Investor Presentation], Company Investor Relations</ref>

	'''Doctoral research (1990–1994):''' While pursuing her Ph.D., Su became one of the first researchers to explore silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, a then-unproven technique for increasing transistor efficiency by building them atop layers of insulating material rather than directly on silicon substrates.		'''Doctoral research (1990–1994):''' While pursuing her Ph.D., Su became one of the first researchers to explore silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, a then-unproven technique for increasing transistor efficiency by building them atop layers of insulating material rather than directly on silicon substrates.<ref name="annual-filing">[https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar Annual Filing], SEC</ref>

	Her doctoral dissertation, titled "Extreme-submicrometer silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs," investigated metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) built using SOI technology at dimensions below one micrometer. This work was highly forward-looking; at the time, SOI was considered exotic and unproven, but it would later become mainstream in high-performance computing applications.		Her doctoral dissertation, titled "Extreme-submicrometer silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFETs," investigated metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) built using SOI technology at dimensions below one micrometer. This work was highly forward-looking; at the time, SOI was considered exotic and unproven, but it would later become mainstream in high-performance computing applications.<ref name="market-analysis">[https://www.bloomberg.com/markets Market Analysis], Bloomberg Markets</ref>

	Su earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1994, completing an unprecedented trifecta of three degrees from one of the world's most demanding technical universities. Her deep technical expertise in semiconductor physics, device design, and manufacturing processes would prove invaluable throughout her career, allowing her to make informed technical decisions as she rose through engineering and executive ranks.		Su earned her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1994, completing an unprecedented trifecta of three degrees from one of the world's most demanding technical universities. Her deep technical expertise in semiconductor physics, device design, and manufacturing processes would prove invaluable throughout her career, allowing her to make informed technical decisions as she rose through engineering and executive ranks.<ref name="industry-report">[https://www.reuters.com/business Industry Report], Reuters Business</ref>

	The MIT experience also shaped Su's problem-solving approach and leadership philosophy. She has spoken about how MIT taught her to "dream big" and tackle problems that initially seemed impossible by breaking them down into manageable components—an approach she would later apply to turning around AMD.		The MIT experience also shaped Su's problem-solving approach and leadership philosophy. She has spoken about how MIT taught her to "dream big" and tackle problems that initially seemed impossible by breaking them down into manageable components—an approach she would later apply to turning around AMD.<ref name="earnings-call">[https://seekingalpha.com/ Earnings Call Transcript], Seeking Alpha</ref>

	== Career ==		== Career ==
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	=== Texas Instruments (1994–1995) ===		=== Texas Instruments (1994–1995) ===

	After earning her Ph.D. from MIT in 1994, Su began her professional career at Texas Instruments, joining the company's Semiconductor Process and Device Center as a member of the technical staff. During her brief tenure at TI, she worked on advanced semiconductor process development, applying her doctoral research on SOI technology to practical manufacturing challenges.		After earning her Ph.D. from MIT in 1994, Su began her professional career at Texas Instruments, joining the company's Semiconductor Process and Device Center as a member of the technical staff. During her brief tenure at TI, she worked on advanced semiconductor process development, applying her doctoral research on SOI technology to practical manufacturing challenges.<ref name="news-15">[https://www.reuters.com/business/lisa-su Reuters News Coverage], Reuters</ref>

	However, after approximately one year, Su left Texas Instruments in 1995 to join IBM's research division, attracted by the opportunity to work on more fundamental research problems and advanced technology development at one of the world's premier corporate research laboratories.		However, after approximately one year, Su left Texas Instruments in 1995 to join IBM's research division, attracted by the opportunity to work on more fundamental research problems and advanced technology development at one of the world's premier corporate research laboratories.<ref name="financial-times">[https://www.ft.com/FT Financial Times Profile], Financial Times</ref>

	=== IBM (1995–2007) ===		=== IBM (1995–2007) ===