Magnachip Semiconductor Announces YJ Kim to Step Down as CEO; Current Board Chairman Camillo Martino Appointed Interim CEO

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Magnachip Semiconductor Corporation  today announced that YJ Kim has agreed to step down as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Camillo Martino, Chairman of the Board of Directors, has also been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Magnachip’s Interim CEO and Chairman Camillo Martino said, “YJ Kim became CEO during a turbulent period in the Company’s history, and has led the firm for the past decade. However, Magnachip now faces several strategic, operational and financial challenges as it transitions to become a pure play power semiconductor company, and this requires new leadership. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank YJ for his service and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Mr. Martino commented, “I am fully committed as Interim CEO and will spend most of my time in South Korea to accelerate our transition to a pure-play power company, while also focusing intensely on achieving sustainable profitability and maximizing shareholder value. Among the first actions being taken in our plan is cutting capital expenditures by more than 50% over the next two-plus years as we prioritize capital allocation. As part of our capital allocation plans, it is important that we invest in our Gumi fab to support the growth of our new-generation power products that are critical to our financial recovery. New-generation products are expected to increase our market competitiveness and result in higher average selling prices and gross profit margins. Capital expenditures, which recently had been forecast to range between $65-70 million through 2027, now are forecast to be in the range of $30-35 million, but the total net cash outlay by Magnachip currently is expected to range between $12-13 million, with the remainder covered by our bank equipment loan facility.

“In addition, we will continue to review all other available cost reduction initiatives to align our spending consistent with our goal to achieve Adjusted EBITDA¹ breakeven as soon as possible. One of the right-sizing initiatives being undertaken is headcount reduction, primarily through shared corporate functions. We are currently targeting to achieve annual savings of $2-3 million in operating expenses, with a payback period of 1.5 years.”

In concluding comment, Mr. Martino said, “As part of Magnachip’s capital allocation process, the Board will review all strategic alternatives including, but not limited to, a potential sale of the Company. The Board and management share the frustration of shareholders regarding the performance of the Company, and we are determined to optimize capital returns to shareholders. I will work closely with our management team to execute our strategic and financial plans and our new-generation power product roadmap.”

YJ Kim said, “I wish to thank Magnachip’s employees for their dedication to the Company, and the Board of Directors for its support. It’s been an honor to lead Magnachip over the past 10 years.”