Dieter Hoffend

Dieter Hoffend is a seasoned business development and sales leader who joined imec as Business Director, Automotive Sector in February 2025, where he leads the institute’s strategic chiplet and edge AI initiatives for the automotive industry.

With more than three decades of experience in the global technology sector - particularly in semiconductors and automotive electronics - Hoffend built a distinguished career at Intel Corporation before joining imec.

One of his career highlights was acting as part of a three-person “start-up” team that developed and established Intel’s automotive strategy in in-vehicle infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous driving, beginning in 2005. The team’s pioneering work became a pathfinder for many other semiconductor companies, prompting direct and intensive collaborations with the automotive industry.

From 2005 onward, Hoffend directed Intel’s automotive sales in Europe, encompassing IT, connectivity, and Industry 4.0/manufacturing solutions. He managed strategic global relationships with leading automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, driving significant revenue growth for Intel.

His leadership track record also includes high-level partnerships with major IT OEMs as well as the establishment of Intel’s Foundry Services Business Development organization in EMEA.

Hoffend is recognized for his ability to navigate complex international markets, cultivate C-level relationships, and deliver sustained growth in highly competitive technology environments.