Abhi Yeshawant Talwalkar: Engineering Hall of Fame - 2025

Chairman of the Board, Lam Research Corporation
Chairman of the Board, Irhythm Technologies, INC.
Former President & CEO, LSI Corporation

Abhi Talwalkar is a transformative leader in the global technology industry whose career spans nearly four decades of innovation, strategic growth, and board-level influence. A 1985 graduate of Oregon State University’s Electrical Engineering program, Talwalkar has built a legacy of leadership across semiconductor, computing, and emerging technology sectors.

Talwalkar served as President and CEO of LSI Corporation from 2005 until its merger with Avago Technologies in 2014. Under his leadership, LSI evolved into a global powerhouse in semiconductors and storage solutions, driving innovation in data centers, networking, and enterprise computing. During his tenure, he also served as a Board Director for the Semiconductor Industry Association and represented the United States at the World Semiconductor Council, helping shape global policy and collaboration in the tech sector.

Prior to LSI, Talwalkar spent 12 years at Intel Corporation, where he held multiple senior executive roles, including Corporate Vice President and Co-General Manager of the Digital Enterprise Group. He led business units responsible for client, server, storage, and communications technologies, overseeing more than $24 billion in annual revenue. 
Just before this role, Talwalkar was Vice President and General Manager of the Intel Enterprise Platform Group, where he focused on developing, marketing, and driving Intel's business strategies for enterprise computing, with revenues over $5 billion. Prior to Intel, Mr. Talwalkar held senior engineering and marketing roles at Sequent Computer Systems, Bipolar Integrated Technology, Inc., and Lattice Semiconductor Inc.

At just 29 years old, Talwalkar was a critical leader in the development of the industry’s first x86 multi-processor server platform —a breakthrough that redefined enterprise computing and laid the foundation for today’s cloud and hyperscale data centers. 

“Leading the drive to establish x86 servers as the de facto standard in cloud and hyperscale data centers remains one of my most enduring professional achievements,” he said. “Over time, these x86 servers overtook the dominance of RISC-based systems from Sun, HP Apollo, and Digital Equipment, ultimately becoming the backbone of 99% of the internet, advanced computing, and enterprise cloud solutions.”

Talwalkar’s influence continues through his board service. He is Chairman of the Board at Lam Research and iRhythm Technologies and serves on the boards of Advanced Micro Devices and TE Connectivity. His oversight spans sectors including AI computing, semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and digital health. 

“As a Board Director for public companies positioned at pivotal points of industry transformation, my work today plays a direct role in shaping the future across sectors ranging from AI computing and advanced semiconductor manufacturing to electric vehicles and innovative healthcare solutions,” he said. “The collective success of these companies not only delivers value to shareholders, but also enables transformative investments that extend lives, slow climate change, and increase global productivity.”

Beyond industry, Talwalkar is deeply committed to social impact. He co-founded and chairs the Bay Area chapter of Friends of the Children, a national nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through long-term mentorship. His leadership in this space reflects a belief in engineering not just as a technical discipline, but as a tool for societal progress.

Talwalkar’s journey began at Oregon State University, where the Electrical Engineering program laid the foundation for his career. 

“Facing a high academic bar to advance into the third year of the program motivated me to form new friendships and lean into collaboration,” he said. “Navigating the program’s emphasis on individual responsibility pushed me to become exceptionally resourceful, a trait that’s proven invaluable throughout my career.” 

Talwalkar credits OSU with instilling the analytical rigor and problem-solving mindset that have guided his professional path. 

“Oregon State University didn’t just shape my career with rigorous problem-solving—it gave me the courage to be resourceful, the drive to collaborate, and a lifelong community of friends who inspire me every day,” he said.

Talwalkar has remained closely connected to OSU, serving on the College of Engineering Dean’s Leadership Council and supporting initiatives that foster student success and industry engagement. His career exemplifies the values of the Engineering Hall of Fame—visionary leadership, technical excellence, and a commitment to advancing both industry and society.