Broadcom Corporation faced mounting competition and a rapidly shifting technology landscape in the early 2000s. Following the abrupt resignation of Co-founder and CEO Henry Nicholas in 2003, the company required not only stabilization but also a bold transformation to sustain competitiveness against giants such as Intel.
The solution arrived through a carefully orchestrated executive search that brought in Scott A. McGregor, a seasoned global semiconductor leader, whose appointment ultimately reshaped Broadcom’s trajectory.
Strategic CEO Appointment Fueled Broadcom’s Expansion and Diversification
The decision to appoint Scott McGregor was not a quick fix, but the outcome of a rigorous two-year process led by Christian & Timbers, one of Silicon Valley’s leading technology executive search firms.
While interim CEO Lanny Ross delivered stability and profitability in 2003–2004, the board required a permanent leader who could diversify Broadcom’s markets, drive operational rigor, and restore long-term growth.
Identified early in the process but initially unavailable, McGregor was pursued persistently by Jeff Christian until he agreed to join. Officially announced in October 2004 and effective January 2005, McGregor’s appointment marked the beginning of Broadcom’s most transformative decade.
The New CEO’s Unique Qualifications
McGregor offered a rare blend of technical expertise and executive leadership:
- A Stanford-trained computer scientist who contributed to the first version of Windows at Microsoft.
- Experienced innovator from Xerox PARC, with early roots in core computing breakthroughs.
- Proven large-scale leader as President & CEO of Philips Semiconductors, a $6.4 billion global business.
Broadcom’s board considered him the ideal leader to execute its growth ambitions in consumer electronics, broadband connectivity, mobile communications, and storage networking. His collaborative leadership style promised cultural stability, while his track record in semiconductors aligned directly with Broadcom’s roadmap for expansion.
Key Events and Achievements
Broadcom’s trajectory under Scott McGregor was shaped by deliberate actions and sustained execution:
- 2003: Co-founder Henry Nicholas resigns; Broadcom appoints director Lanny Ross as interim CEO.
- 2003–2004: Ross restores stability, returning Broadcom to profitability after three years of losses.
- October 2004: Broadcom announces Scott McGregor as incoming CEO; he formally assumes the role on January 3, 2005.
- 2005–2008: McGregor drives diversification into consumer electronics and mobile markets while improving inventory and operations.
- 2009: Broadcom enters the Fortune 500 for the first time.
- 2010s: Revenue accelerates and Broadcom becomes an industry leader in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and broadband networking chips.
- 2015: Broadcom announces agreement to be acquired by Avago Technologies for $37 billion—the largest tech deal of its time.
- 2016: Acquisition closes; McGregor’s tenure ends after delivering a revenue increase from $2.4B in 2005 to $8.6B in 2016.
Growth Created New Operational and Strategic Demands
As Broadcom expanded into new markets, challenges emerged around operational efficiency, global competition, and shareholder confidence. McGregor’s disciplined leadership and ability to recruit and empower strong teams allowed Broadcom to balance rapid growth with cultural stability. His mix of semiconductor discipline, software insight, and consumer vision proved essential in navigating the industry’s most competitive decade.
Broadcom’s Revenue Tripled and Industry Leadership Was Secured
During McGregor’s 11-year tenure as CEO, Broadcom’s revenue grew from $2.4 billion to $8.6 billion. The company not only secured market leadership in connectivity technologies but also emerged as a diversified Fortune 500 powerhouse.
The strategic acquisition by Avago validated Broadcom’s transformation and created a global leader in semiconductors—proof of the board’s foresight and Christian & Timbers’ success in securing a high-impact CEO.
Decisive Leadership Redefined Broadcom’s Future in Global Technology
Broadcom’s story illustrates how the right CEO selection can fundamentally alter a company’s destiny. McGregor’s leadership cemented Broadcom’s role in communications and consumer technologies while ensuring long-term shareholder value through an industry-defining acquisition.
By embracing change and executing with precision, Broadcom demonstrated the power of rigorous executive search and decisive leadership.
Christian & Timbers remains the trusted partner for technology companies seeking transformational leaders. With 45+ years of expertise and direct senior-level involvement, the firm continues to deliver high-impact CEO placements that drive accelerated growth, operational excellence, and breakthrough results.