Dr. Hector Ruiz, an accomplished chief executive and technology luminary, is driven by the idea that technology and education dramatically improve people's lives. Hector has helped build and guide top-tier global technology companies (including Texas Instruments, Motorola, and AMD) while also promoting exploration of technology's ability to address social issues.
He is an impassioned advocate for the better use of technology to improve the lives of children and adults in economically and educationally disadvantaged areas. Today, Hector serves as founder and director of ANSI Capital LLC, and as advisor to individuals, corporations, and governments on breakthrough technology initiatives.
Hector fundamentally believes that technology and education open doors for people and can enable them to be more informed, voting citizens, which is critical for a strong democracy. His evolving portfolio of organizations and investments represent his passion to continually explore new frontiers for creating positive impact.
Today, Hector’s time, passion and energy are directed into three important areas:
TECHNOLOGY
Using his experience to shape the direction of technology; and helping companies with breakthrough ideas that benefit society to get started.
EDUCATION
Having an impact on improving education through technology with a special focus on providing opportunities to minority students.
informed citizens
Encouraging people of all backgrounds and ethnicities to exercise their right to vote.
MORE ABOUT HECTOR
As an impassioned advocate for the better use and application of technology to improve the lives of individuals in economically disadvantaged areas, Hector has promoted the use of technology to advance people's access to education and has pursued his vision of empowering people's lives by serving on various educational advisory boards and by carrying forward initiatives to accelerate affordable access to the Internet.
A luminary in the field of technology for nearly three decades, Hector has helped build and guide top-tier global technology companies (including Texas Instruments, Motorola, and AMD). As CEO of AMD, Hector spearheaded the 50/15 initiative setting an aggressive goal to have half the world connected to the Internet by 2015. He also received numerous accolades, including: the Semico Bellwether Award (2009); Executive of the Year - 2005 (EE Times); CEO of the Year – 2005 (Electronic Business); and Top 25 Business Leader - 2006 (FORTUNE Magazine). During this time, Hector successfully published the book, Slingshot: AMD’s Fight to Free an Industry from the Ruthless Grip of Intel, a book that vividly recounts his bet-the-company decision in 2005 to file an antitrust case against its much larger rival.
“I believe technology and education open doors for people, and consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found this road in life and to be blessed with a wonderful family.”
Hector currently serves on UT's College of Engineering Foundation Advisory Council. In 2006, he was selected as a Distinguished Engineering Graduate of UT-Austin and later as Distinguished Alum of Rice University. In 2012, he was selected for the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Texas Exes' highest honor. Hector currently serves as a Trustee Emeriti of Rice University and is on the Board of Directors of Breakthrough Austin. He was previously on the Board of Trustees of the RAND Corporation.
Prior to these appointments, Hector served as a member of President George W. Bush's Council of Advisors for Science and Technology. He also served on the Board for Spansion Inc., Darden Restaurants, the Eastman Kodak Co., and the Semiconductor Industry Association.
His evolving portfolio of organizations and investments represent his passion to explore new frontiers for creating positive impact — and help others find their roads as well.