The Department of Commerce has appointed Bill Frauenhofer as the director of the CHIPS Program Office.
Who Is Bill Frauenhofer?
Frauenhofer, who has a three-decade career in investment banking and expertise in the semiconductor and technology sectors, most recently served as global head of semiconductor investment banking and head of West Coast technology investment banking at Morgan Stanley, the Commerce Department said Monday, adding that the new director is widely recognized for his integrity, work ethic and ability to deliver exceptional strategic guidance. He also held similar leadership roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Jefferies, UBS and Citi.
In his new role, he will lead the implementation of $39 billion in semiconductor manufacturing incentives under the CHIPS and Science Act. His responsibility involves investing in the domestic semiconductor industry and rebuilding resilience across the semiconductor supply chain.
“Semiconductors are fundamental to advancing our AI capabilities,” said Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. “Bill Frauenhofer’s leadership will revitalize semiconductor manufacturing in America and deliver on this administration’s commitment to winning the AI race.”
With his background in investment banking, Frauenhofer brings a track record in advising global clients on a comprehensive spectrum of capital markets transactions, including initial public offerings, equity and convertible securities, debt financings, and complex domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions.
“It is a truly exciting opportunity to join the Commerce Department and lead the CHIPS program into its next chapter,” stated Bill Frauenhofer, Director of the CHIPS Program Office. “I believe in this administration’s mission to rebuild a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem and reshore American semiconductor manufacturing and jobs.”
