Imagination Technologies adds ex-Arqiva boss as chief executive

British chipmaker Imagination Technologies has appointed Simon Beresford-Wylie, a former boss of communications group Arqiva, as chief executive.

Mr Beresford-Wylie will replace Ron Black, who left the Imagination in April following an attempt by Beijing-backed China Reform Holdings to take control of the company’s board. 

Since then, the role has been filled on an interim basis by Ray Bingham, who remains the company’s executive chairman.

Imagination Technologies develops around a third of graphics processing chips used in mobile phones, and it counts Apple among its customers. It has also built a verification technology to test the chips.

Mr Beresford-Wylie used to head up the networks business unit of Samsung Electronics as well as being chief executive of Nokia Siemens Networks. He left Arqiva in July after the company completed the sale of its telecoms division for £2bn.

Mr Bingham praised the incoming CEO for his “hugely successful track recording in creating value”.

“Simon’s vision for Imagination’s future leverages our leading AI and GPU technologies to take advantage of a rapidly changing global competitive landscape,” the outgoing interim CEO said. 

“His appointment demonstrates Canyon Bridge’s commitment to enabling Imagination to hire the best talent across its leadership, technical, commercial, and support teams, to create new technology, and to gain, serve, and retain customers worldwide.”

Mr Beresford-Wylie said the company has an “ambitious strategy” in place already.

“I am going to ensure that both Imagination and its partners continue to lead with technology that transforms lives and industries,” he said.

Mr Beresford-Wylie’s appointment follows fears that China Reform, the largest investor in Imagination’s owner Canyon Bridge, was plotting a boardroom coup. China Reform has previously tried to put four people on Imagination’s board, but failed to do so after backlash from MPs.

Canyon Bridge has also pledged to keep the company headquartered in the UK as well as add new independent directors in a bid to assuage the fears.

Last month, Imagination added former BT chief executive Sir Peter Bonfield to its board.

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