A television repair business operated by a fourteen-year-old Robin Saxby provided the early practical training that defined his later career in microelectronics. Born in Chesterfield in 1947, the British engineer transitioned from technical roles at companies like Motorola and Rank Bush Murphy to orchestrate the commercial expansion of a global processor enterprise that dominated the mobile communications industry.
Early Education and Technical Roots
Saxby attended Brookfield Community School before enrolling at the University of Liverpool. In 1968, he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics. His technical interest manifested early, having owned an electronics kit by age eight. Before his executive career, he gained industrial experience at firms including Pye, Henderson Security, and European Silicon Structures.
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In 1991, Saxby became the first chief executive officer of ARM, a joint venture between Acorn Computers and Apple Inc. Supported by a $1.5 million initial investment from Apple, he led a team of 12 engineers to pivot the company toward a licensing model for microprocessors. This strategy proved highly effective, eventually securing a 95 percent market share in the mobile phone sector. During his tenure as CEO from 1991 to 2001, the firm became the most valuable entity in the Cambridge technology cluster, reaching a market capitalization exceeding $10 billion. He served as chairman from 2001 until 2006.
Professional Recognition and Later Activities
Saxby holds status as a chartered engineer and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. His service to the profession includes his tenure as president of the IET from 2006 to 2007. His accolades comprise the 2002 Faraday Medal and the 2019 IEEE Founders Medal, which recognized his development of a successful electronics enterprise. He was appointed a Knight Bachelor and became an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society in 2015. Since retiring from ARM, he provides finance and advisory support to various startup companies.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, Chesterfield
- Education: Brookfield Community School; University of Liverpool
- Key Role: CEO and Chairman, ARM Holdings
- Knighted: 2002
- Faraday Medal: 2002
- IEEE Founders Medal: 2019
- Honorary Fellow, Royal Society: 2015
Questions readers ask
What was Robin Saxby's primary contribution to the electronics industry?
He introduced a successful licensing model for microprocessors while leading ARM, which allowed the company to capture 95 percent of the mobile phone processor market.
What is his current professional focus?
Following his retirement from ARM in 2006, he acts as a promoter for young entrepreneurs, providing both financial backing and professional advice to startup companies.
Achievements
- Faraday Medal — 2002
- Knight Bachelor
- IEEE Founders Medal — 2019
- Educated at University of Liverpool and Brookfield Community School
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