Cathal Phelan
About Cathal Phelan
Cathal Phelan serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at Impinj, a position he has held since 2023. He has extensive experience in various advisory and leadership roles across multiple technology companies, including a notable tenure at Cypress Semiconductor.
Work at Impinj
Cathal Phelan serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at Impinj, a position he has held since 2023. In addition to his role as Chief Innovation Officer, he has been a member of the Impinj Board of Directors since 2019. His responsibilities involve driving innovation strategies and overseeing the development of new technologies within the company.
Education and Expertise
Cathal Phelan graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering, both completed between 1980 and 1984. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Micro-Electronic Engineering, in 1985. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his extensive career in technology and innovation.
Background
Cathal Phelan began his career as an SRAM designer at Philips Research in the Netherlands. He has accumulated over 20 years of experience at Cypress Semiconductor, where he held various engineering and management roles, including Chief Technology Officer. His leadership experience extends to roles such as President & CEO at Rapt Touch and advisory positions at several technology companies.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Cathal Phelan has held significant positions in various technology firms. He served as CEO of RAPT Touch, focusing on multi-touch systems, and was CEO of Ubicom, a provider of RISC CPUs for home networks. He has also been involved with multiple advisory boards, including Nuvola Technology and Silvaco, contributing to advancements in technology and innovation.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside of his professional pursuits, Cathal Phelan has a keen interest in sports and wildlife photography. He enjoys capturing dynamic moments, such as rugby teams in action, hummingbirds in flight, and his daughter participating in equestrian events. This passion for photography reflects his appreciation for both sports and nature.