Texas Instruments Announces CFO Transition: A New Era Begins

In a significant leadership transition, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has announced the appointment of Julie Knecht as the company's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 1, 2026. Knecht will be succeeding Rafael Lizardi, who has dedicated 25 years to the company and will retire from his role. Lizardi will remain with TI in an advisory capacity until August 31, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition.

Haviv Ilan, TI's chairman, president, and CEO, expressed gratitude for Lizardi's extensive contributions to the company. "I want to thank Rafael for his many years of leadership and dedication to TI," Ilan stated. He highlighted Lizardi's focus on disciplined capital allocation, particularly in investments aimed at enhancing 300mm manufacturing capacity and his commitment to returning all free cash flow to shareholders. Ilan emphasized that these efforts have positioned TI for sustained long-term growth and value creation.

Julie Knecht's promotion from within the finance team is a testament to her extensive experience and proven track record. Having worked alongside Lizardi for over a decade, Knecht is well-acquainted with the company's financial and operational strategies. "I am excited to welcome Julie to our leadership team," Ilan remarked, underscoring her strong background in financial leadership, strategic planning, and business acumen.

Knecht expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, "I am honored to be appointed as the company's next CFO. Having been part of this company for more than 25 years, I appreciate TI's high-performance culture and long-standing commitment to technology leadership." She conveyed her eagerness to build on the company's existing successes and continue to generate long-term value for customers, employees, and shareholders.

The transition comes as Texas Instruments prepares to release its second-quarter financial results on July 22, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Central time. This upcoming announcement will be a crucial moment for the company, as Knecht will step into her new role shortly after.

Knecht’s career at Texas Instruments began in 1999, and her journey through various finance and accounting roles has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the company's operations. Prior to her appointment as CFO, she served as Chief Accounting Officer and Vice President of Accounting and Tax since 2021, and held the position of Vice President of Accounting for over a decade. Knecht holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a licensed certified public accountant.

Texas Instruments Incorporated is a leading global semiconductor company focused on designing, manufacturing, and selling analog and embedded processing chips for a wide array of markets, including industrial, automotive, data center, personal electronics, and communications equipment. With a commitment to innovation, TI aims to make electronics more affordable and reliable through advanced semiconductor technology.

As the company enters this pivotal phase with new leadership, stakeholders will be keenly watching how Knecht's financial stewardship will shape TI's trajectory in the competitive semiconductor landscape.