Who is Raghu Panicker? - Semiconductor Industry Leader and Social Entrepreneur

Raghu Panicker began his professional journey in the semiconductor industry at Semiconductor Lab Chandigarh in 1992, where he served as a Deputy Manager until 2000. During his tenure, he achieved a sales turnover of over $1 million and developed a vertical market for communication circuits in electronic digital exchanges and telephone instruments. He also promoted ASIC culture among electronic industries for defense organizations.

Panicker holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering from Nagpur University (1987-1991), an Advanced Diploma in Sales and Marketing from the National Institute of Sales (1997-1998), and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Bangalore University (1997-2000).

Growth in the Semiconductor Industry

In 2000, Panicker joined Mentor Graphics (later acquired by Siemens) as a Channel Sales Manager, where he conceptualized new channel and business development strategies to drive demand for assigned products. He was promoted to Director of Sales in 2006, leading innovative enterprise-wide business solution plans and driving growth across India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Under his leadership, the business grew from $1 million to $85 million over two decades.

Panicker also had a brief stint as a Regional Sales Manager at Telelogic (acquired by IBM) from 2005 to 2006, where he successfully launched EA products in India and penetrated major accounts.

Leadership Roles and Entrepreneurship

In 2020, Panicker joined Insemi Technology Services Pvt. Ltd. as the Vice President of Sales, creating technology solutions that enable businesses and consumers to integrate their physical and digital worlds. He later co-founded AISemiCon in 2022, a semiconductor product solutions company that designs and develops semiconductor IPs and SoCs for customers.

Panicker joined Kaynes Technology India Limited in June 2023 as the Vice President of Business Strategy before being appointed as the CEO of Kaynes SemiCon in October 2023. In this role, he is responsible for setting up and running the OSAT/ATMP plant and managing the business.

Social Entrepreneurship and Transgender Empowerment

Alongside his corporate career, Panicker co-founded NazarAndaaz Ventures in November 2022, a social enterprise aimed at uplifting and empowering the transgender community by providing holistic and transformational platforms and work opportunities. The venture plans to launch cafes, salons, and designer boutiques to provide employment opportunities and a source of income for skilled transgender individuals.

Industry Involvement and Recognition

Panicker is an active member of the semiconductor industry, serving as a Board Member at EE Times and an Executive Council Committee Member at the Indian Semiconductor Association. He has received multiple awards and recognition for his performance and leadership in the industry.

Throughout his career, Panicker has attended various training programs on sales methodologies and consulting, including 'TAS Plan', 'SPIN Selling', 'Focus Selling', 'Challenger Sales', and 'Goldratt Consulting'. His core competencies include business direction, strategic planning, growth transformation, and customer centricity, which he leverages to create win-win situations, harness new opportunities, and deliver growth and excellence for his team, organization, and customers.