EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Rectifier Corporation, (IR®) today announced the appointment of Michael Barrow as Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, effective April 14, 2008. Barrow, 53, will report directly to Oleg Khaykin, President and Chief Executive Officer, and will be responsible for implementing strategies to build a world-class manufacturing organization.

Mr. Barrow brings 30 years of semiconductor and operational leadership experience to International Rectifier, having served at both Amkor Technology and Intel. While at Amkor, Barrow most recently served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Flip Chip and Wafer Level Packaging Business Unit, where he was responsible for the strategic direction and business growth. Prior to Amkor, Barrow worked 12 years at Intel, most recently as Technology General Manager of Intel’s Communications Group and also as Technology Manager of Intel’s Chip Set Group. Prior to Intel, Barrow spent 11 years at Unisys in increasing levels of responsibility and started his career as a power design engineer at Electro Pacific Inc.

“We are very pleased to have Michael Barrow join the management team here at International Rectifier,” said Oleg Khaykin, International Rectifier’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “I feel confident that his vast experience in engineering and manufacturing will provide significant strength to the management team as we implement strategies to drive operational excellence in our manufacturing facilities worldwide. Michael has an outstanding track record of success in lean manufacturing, improving operational metrics, reducing costs and building successful teams.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to join International Rectifier and help build upon the strong foundation that is already in place,” said Michael Barrow. “I look forward to working with this talented team of individuals to help drive manufacturing process efficiency while meeting and exceeding the demands of our valued customers.”

Mr. Barrow holds a BSEE/BSME degree from Natal Technikon (Institute of Technology) in Durban, South Africa.