Qualcomm IP licensing architect to retire

Qualcomm vice chairman, Steve Altman, is to retire from the firm January 3, 2014, but will continue to serve as a strategic consultant to the company.

Since joining Qualcomm in 1989, Altman has served as a member of Qualcomm’s Executive Committee for nearly 15 years, providing direction and guidance on key initiatives across all areas of the business, as well as on overall company vision and strategy.

One of his most significant impacts has been as chief architect of Qualcomm’s IP licensing strategy, which was a catalyst for both the QTL business and the accelerated worldwide growth of CDMA technology as well as being a key revenue generator. Altman has been responsible for structuring and negotiating key license agreements, joint ventures, acquisitions and many important strategic relationships, the company said.