Silvaco CEO Transition: Babak Taheri Departs; Walden Wally Rhines Assumes Leadership

Silvaco Group Inc. (SVCO), a semiconductor design solutions provider specializing in TCAD software, EDA tools, and SIP solutions with AI-driven capabilities, has announced a significant executive transition. Babak Taheri has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer, with his departure taking effect on August 19, 2025. After nearly seven years guiding the company, Taheri’s exit marks a major leadership change in the semiconductor software sector. The company has immediately appointed Walden Wally Rhines as the new Chief Executive Officer.

Babak Taheri’s Leadership Era Concludes at Silvaco

Babak Taheri’s tenure as Silvaco’s CEO spanned nearly seven years, during which he oversaw the company’s positioning in the competitive EDA and digital twin modeling space. His departure represents a transition point for the organization as it navigates ongoing developments in AI-enabled semiconductor design tools. The leadership change became effective in August 2025, allowing for a structured transition in executive responsibilities.

Walden Wally Rhines Brings Decades of Industry Expertise

Walden Wally Rhines, who has served on Silvaco’s board of directors since September 2022, brings substantial credentials to the CEO role. Since March 2020, Rhines has held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer at Cornami, Inc. Additionally, he serves as Chairman of the board at Qorvo, Inc. (QRVO), one of the semiconductor industry’s leading companies in RF and infrastructure semiconductors.

Extensive Track Record in EDA and Semiconductor Leadership

Rhines’ career trajectory underscores his deep expertise in the semiconductor software domain. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Mentor Graphics Corporation, a pioneering EDA company, from 1993 until its acquisition by Siemens in March 2017. Following the acquisition, Rhines continued his leadership as President and Chief Executive Officer of Siemens EDA, formerly operating under the Mentor Graphics name. This extensive background positions him to navigate Silvaco’s strategic initiatives in semiconductor design technology and digital transformation.

The leadership transition comes as the semiconductor industry increasingly emphasizes AI integration and advanced design automation, areas where both Silvaco’s technology platform and Rhines’ operational experience intersect.