NEWS UPDATE

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Chairman Hector Ruiz
Discusses 'The 21st Century CEO'
at the Detroit Economic Club

DETROIT, February 20, 2007 - The Detroit Economic Club (DEC) was pleased to host Hector Ruiz, Ph.D., chairman & CEO, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., who addressed the role of "The 21st Century CEO."

While it seems that CEOs across all industries are under fire, Ruiz said there is a positive side to the role in today's global economy. He challenged business leaders to re-examine their positions and the strategies they apply to achieve success.

“So as business leaders with such great influence at our disposal, we do have a choice. Do we accept this growing power to influence simply as a sign of success, or do we acknowledge that with this greater power comes a huge responsibility, and leverage this influence to serve the world in a way we never even thought was possible. I believe if we want to continue to enjoy our privileged role as business leaders and global change agents, the choice is very, very clear. Take a look at some of the most successful companies in the last ten years, and at the heads of those companies there are CEOs who understand the social compact between business and society. To be a leader of a public company today, as I said before, is truly to be a public servant. And as such, we must not only follow the rule of law, but also follow the unwritten laws that exist in so many of the markets that we now compete in. It is far more important today to ask, ‘is this the right thing to do?’ first, before asking whether it is legal or not.”

Download a broadcast-quality audio file of the above selection from Ruiz's remarks. Size: 1.62 Mb. Duration: 1 minute, 10 seconds.

Ruiz also highlighted the opportunities for CEOs to positively impact society while doing good business.

“We have the historic opportunity to make the remarkable influence business has in the world, and leverage it not just to fatten our balance sheets, but to end poverty. Educate a new generation. Bring affordable health care to millions of people. Slow global warming. Prevent cancer or even eradicate disease. And here is perhaps the most exciting part of this opportunity: solving these problems need not be just an act of goodwill. Successfully solving these problems can also be an act of good business, built on a sustainable business model.”

Download a broadcast-quality audio file of the above selection from Ruiz's remarks. Size: 959 Kb. Duration: 41 seconds.

Click here to download a print-quality photograph of Hector Ruiz at the Detroit Economic Club on February 20, 2007. Photo credit: Jeff Kowalsky.

The Detroit Economic Club was formed in 1934 as a platform for the discussion and debate of important business, government and social issues. It is known internationally as a top speaking forum for prominent business and government leaders, who address members and their guests at the Club's 35 meetings a season. With more than 3,000 members, the DEC is about vital issues, prominent voices, a commitment to education and inspiring leadership. The Club is proud to have hosted every sitting U.S. President since Richard Nixon and proud to have been ranked among the top speaking platforms for CEOs.

A license is granted by the Detroit Economic Club to media companies to use the audio clips and photographs from the links above in broadcasts and print publications. No other commercial license or use is permitted. Photograph is saved in JPEG format with a size of approximately 2500 x 2000 pixels and generally have a resolution sufficient for print publication.

© Copyright 2007 Detroit Economic Club. All rights reserved.