EL SEGUNDO, CA, July 1996 - International Rectifier (IR) has formed a new Switch Strategic Marketing Organization, chartered to focus marketing and research resources on long-term product development to better anticipate the needs of customers in the fast-paced switch segment of the power semiconductor market. Michael T. Robinson, formerly vice president for IGBT business management and R & D, has been named vice president of switch strategic marketing to direct the new organization.

"The Switch Strategic Marketing Organization becomes the linchpin for developing and implementing IR's overall business strategy in the switch marketplace, with responsibility for identifying and specifying next generation platforms, technologies, and new products," Robinson said. "This new organization, working closely with R & D, will now be responsible for ensuring that International Rectifier maintains its track record as a switch innovator, and that all future switch products remain on the cutting edge.

Three senior managers have also joined the group. Elisa Clemente joins the Switch Group as director of market research and statistics, Fred Flett joins IR from Analog Devices as director of switch strategic marketing for motor switches and Chris Ambarian contributes as director of strategic marketing for power conversion switches. All bring strong technical expertise and experience to their respective positions.