NXP's Reger Re-defines CTO's Role

By Junko Yoshida, EETimes
January 23, 2019

Last month, Lars Reger became CTO for all of NXP Semiconductors -- the sort of role that has lots of faith-shaking pitfalls. I wonder what challenges it will bring, and what changes he might bring to NXP.

Lars Reger at NXP is one corporate executive I happen to interview regularly. For a reporter whose beat includes automotive, Reger, as CTO of NXP’s automotive business, is both a familiar face and an important voice. Fortunately, he’s been willing to share his views on what’s happening in the industry.

About a month ago, Reger became chief technology officer across all of NXP’s business activities. I suspect I’m not the only one who secretly applauded his promotion.

But I don’t presume to know much about him.

I do consider myself lucky for a few occasions that I got to hear him talk passionately on some of his pet topics, including NXP’s efforts to drive eCall in Europe (2010-2011); NXP’s pursuit of V2X; NXP’s first radar chip (2015); autonomous vehicles; and Qualcomm/NXP deal that did not happen (2018).

In each interview, what impressed me most wasn't his product pitch, but rather, how he tells a story. His passion comes through, and his excitement comes alive. He’s earnest and infectious. If sheer energy were the key to credibility, I doubt that anybody could resist believing this guy’s every word.

Now, however, Reger is CTO for all of NXP Semiconductors — the sort of role that has lots of faith-shaking pitfalls. I wonder what challenges it will bring, and what changes he might bring to NXP.

I caught up with him the day before the Consumer Electronics Show lifted its curtain in Las Vegas. Followings are excerpts of our conversation.

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