Silvaco Group, Inc., a leading provider of TCAD, EDA software, and SIP solutions for semiconductor design and digital twin modeling, has announced a significant leadership change. On August 19, 2025, Dr. Babak Taheri stepped down from his position as Chief Executive Officer after nearly seven years with the company. The Board of Directors has appointed Walden “Wally” C. Rhines, Ph.D., as the new CEO with immediate effect.
During his tenure, Dr. Taheri successfully led Silvaco through its initial public offering, achieving sustained double-digit growth and positioning the company as a key player in the semiconductor design automation market. Reflecting on his time with Silvaco, Dr. Taheri expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments and confidence in their ability to continue driving strategic initiatives and creating value for shareholders.
In his new role, Wally C. Rhines brings a wealth of experience to Silvaco. With a background in engineering, materials science, and business, Rhines has held executive positions at leading technology companies, including Mentor Graphics Corporation and Siemens EDA. His appointment as CEO signals a new chapter for Silvaco, with a focus on maximizing long-term shareholder value and capitalizing on the company’s unique technology offerings.
Kathy Pesic, Co-Founder and Chair of the Board, expressed confidence in Rhines’ ability to lead Silvaco through this transition and build on the company’s recent milestones, such as the successful IPO and strategic acquisitions. She also thanked Dr. Taheri for his contributions to Silvaco’s growth and success.
Silvaco is poised for continued success in the semiconductor and photonics industries, with a diverse portfolio of solutions for various markets, including automotive, memory, IoT, and 5G/6G mobile technologies. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Silvaco has a global presence with offices in key regions around the world.
For more information about Silvaco Group, Inc. and its innovative solutions for semiconductor design and digital twin modeling, visit their website at silvaco.com.
Media Relations:
Tiffany Behany, press@silvaco.com
Investor Relations:
Greg McNiff, investors@silvaco.com
As Silvaco enters this new chapter under the leadership of Wally C. Rhines, the company remains committed to driving innovation and delivering value to customers and shareholders alike. Stay tuned for exciting developments from Silvaco as they continue to shape the future of semiconductor design and digital twin modeling.