Chartered's CEO recovers in U.S. after heart surgery

SINGAPORE -- The CEO of Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Pte. Ltd. hopes to be back at work in Singapore within a couple of months after taking a temporary leave of absence for heart surgery.

Two weeks ago, Barry Waite underwent surgery in the U.S. to remove what was believed to be a non-malignant growth on his heart. The growth was discovered during a medical exam in late February. According to Chartered, the chief executive and president of the foundry company is expected to return to work within two months.

During Waite's absence, Chartered will be operated by the company's Office of the President, which is made up of a four-person executive management team. The silicon foundry company created the Office of President last August.

In addition to Waite, the Office of the President consists of: Rob Baxter, senior vice president of business operations; John Docherty, senior vice president of manufacturing and technology operations; and Chia Song Hwee, senior vice president, chief financial officer, and chief administrative officer.

In a separate move this week, Chartered--the world's third largest silicon foundry company--announced the appointment of former Motorola Inc. executive Jim Norling to its board of directors. Norling will serve as deputy chairman of Chartered's board. He retired from Motorola in July after 35 years with the company. Norling most recently served as president of Motorola's Personal Communications Sector and held top management jobs in the company's chip business, including president of the Semiconductor Products Sector.