Veteran Tech Exec Named Silicon Image CEO

SAN FRANCISCO—Three months after the company's longtime chief abruptly stepped down, digital TV chip and IP vendor Silicon Image Inc. Tuesday (Jan. 5) named Camillo Martino, a 25-year high-tech veteran, CEO. Martino, 47, most recently served as a board member and chief operating officer at SAI Technology Inc., a supplier of 4G and security technology solutions to the mobile communications industry, according to Silicon Image (Sunnyvale, Calif.). He has held various other executive management roles focusing on the consumer electronics, communications and computing markets, including stints with Cornice Inc., Zoran Corp. and National Semiconductor Corp., Silicon Image said. Hal Covert, who has last year was appointed president and chief operating officer following the abrupt resignation of former CEO Steve Tirado, has agreed to continue as president of Silicon Image and serve on the company's board through Sept. 30. After years of strong growth, with annual revenue rising 51 percent between 2005 and 2007, Silicon Image hit a brick wall in 2008, when sales slumped by 14 percent. The company's business model, which it describes as unique, has come into question.