Synopsys Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Synopsys has 10 executives leading key functions including operations, strategy, people, legal, and technology.

Driven by innovation, Synopsys is dedicated to advancing the creation of complex electronic chips, enabling the development of cutting-edge technology across global markets.

Leadership Roles at Synopsys

  • Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer - David DeMaria
  • Chief Operating Officer - James Lindstrom
  • President - Isaac Robinsom
  • Chief of Staff - Lorraine Bartlett
  • Senior VP, Corporate Operations & Office Chief of Staff - Alessandra Costa
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Marketing Operations - Marilyn Schmidt
  • Managing Director, Strategic Collaboration (Chief Technology Officer Office) - Kee Kim
  • Technical Advisor & Chief of Staff - Salvador Alvarez
  • Chief People Officer - Jill Larsen
  • General Counsel - Rick Runkel
  • David DeMaria - Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer

    David DeMaria, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer at Synopsys, acts as a key advisor and operational liaison for the CEO. DeMaria supports the Chief Executive Officer in driving strategic initiatives and managing critical business operations for Synopsys, a leader in electronic design automation. This role involves coordinating executive priorities, facilitating decision-making processes, and ensuring effective communication across the organization. The Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer plays a vital part in translating the CEO's vision into tangible actions and operational plans. David DeMaria's responsibilities include overseeing special projects, preparing executive briefings, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the CEO's office. This position is essential for maximizing the CEO's effectiveness and advancing Synopsys's strategic objectives in the global technology market.

    James Lindstrom - Chief Operating Officer

    James Lindstrom, the Chief Operating Officer at Synopsys, directs the company's operational framework, ensuring seamless execution of business strategies. Lindstrom oversees critical functions that support Synopsys's mission to provide electronic design automation (EDA) software and intellectual property (IP) solutions. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes and resource allocation to enhance efficiency across the organization. By managing day-to-day operations, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that Synopsys can effectively deliver its advanced IC design and verification platforms to a global clientele. James Lindstrom's focus remains on driving operational excellence, supporting product development, and facilitating the company's growth in the competitive semiconductor industry. The operational scope includes managing the infrastructure that underpins Synopsys's software development and customer support services, directly impacting the company's ability to meet market demands and maintain its technological leadership.

    Isaac Robinsom - President

    Isaac Robinsom, the President at Synopsys, holds a pivotal leadership position driving the company's overall strategic direction and operational execution. Robinsom oversees key business units and initiatives that advance Synopsys's mission to provide leading electronic design automation (EDA) software and intellectual property (IP) solutions. This executive role involves guiding the company's growth, market expansion, and technological innovation. The President is crucial for ensuring that Synopsys maintains its competitive edge and delivers exceptional value to customers worldwide. Isaac Robinsom's leadership focuses on maximizing operational performance and steering the company towards sustained success in the dynamic semiconductor industry, supporting the design of complex integrated circuits.

    Lorraine Bartlett - Chief of Staff

    Lorraine Bartlett, the Chief of Staff at Synopsys, provides strategic support and operational coordination across key initiatives. Bartlett works closely with executive leadership to drive the implementation of company-wide objectives, ensuring alignment and efficient execution. This role involves managing cross-functional projects and facilitating communication between departments, thereby enhancing organizational synergy. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in streamlining operations and advancing strategic priorities for Synopsys, a leader in electronic design automation software. Lorraine Bartlett's responsibilities include preparing executive communications, managing special projects, and ensuring that the leadership team's agenda is effectively translated into actionable plans. This position is crucial for maintaining momentum on critical business objectives and supporting the overall strategic direction of the company.

    Alessandra Costa - Senior VP, Corporate Operations & Office Chief of Staff

    Alessandra Costa, the Senior VP, Corporate Operations & Office Chief of Staff at Synopsys, directs the company's corporate operations and provides high-level support to executive functions. Costa manages essential operational aspects that enable Synopsys's global business activities, focusing on efficiency and strategic alignment. This leadership position involves overseeing various operational departments and ensuring that corporate resources are optimally utilized to support the company's EDA software and IP solutions. The Senior VP, Corporate Operations & Office Chief of Staff is instrumental in driving operational improvements and supporting the executive office's strategic initiatives. Alessandra Costa's role ensures that the foundational elements of Synopsys's business run smoothly, facilitating innovation and market responsiveness. This includes managing facilities, administrative functions, and key operational projects that underpin the company's success.

    Marilyn Schmidt - Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Marketing Operations

    Marilyn Schmidt, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Marketing Operations at Synopsys, orchestrates marketing operations and provides strategic support to the Chief Marketing Officer. Schmidt drives the execution of marketing strategies, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with Synopsys's business goals. This dual role involves managing the operational aspects of marketing campaigns and supporting the CMO's strategic direction for the company's EDA software and IP solutions. The Chief of Staff To the Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Marketing Operations is critical for optimizing marketing resource allocation and enhancing campaign effectiveness. Marilyn Schmidt's focus is on driving measurable results through robust marketing operations and strategic planning, contributing directly to Synopsys's market presence and growth.

    Kee Kim - Managing Director, Strategic Collaboration (Chief Technology Officer Office)

    Kee Kim, the Managing Director, Strategic Collaboration (Chief Technology Officer Office) at Synopsys, spearheads critical technology collaborations and partnerships. Kim drives initiatives that foster innovation and technological advancement within Synopsys's EDA software and IP solutions. This leadership role involves identifying and cultivating strategic alliances that enhance the company's technological capabilities and market reach. The Managing Director, Strategic Collaboration is essential for aligning external technological efforts with Synopsys's internal R&D and product roadmaps. Kee Kim's expertise in technology strategy and collaboration ensures that Synopsys remains at the forefront of electronic design innovation, supporting the development of next-generation ICs and semiconductor technologies.

    Salvador Alvarez - Technical Advisor & Chief of Staff

    Salvador Alvarez, the Technical Advisor & Chief of Staff at Synopsys, provides critical technical guidance and operational support to executive leadership. Alvarez bridges the gap between technical innovation and strategic execution, ensuring that Synopsys's advanced EDA software and IP solutions are developed and deployed effectively. This role involves advising on complex technical challenges and streamlining operational processes to enhance productivity. The Technical Advisor & Chief of Staff plays a key part in translating technical insights into actionable business strategies. Salvador Alvarez's contributions are vital for maintaining Synopsys's technological edge and driving forward its mission in the semiconductor design industry, supporting the development of cutting-edge integrated circuits.

    Jill Larsen - Chief People Officer

    Jill Larsen, the Chief People Officer at Synopsys, directs the company's human capital strategy, fostering a culture of innovation and growth. Larsen oversees all aspects of talent management, employee development, and organizational culture to support Synopsys's leadership in EDA software and IP solutions. This critical role ensures that Synopsys attracts, retains, and develops the skilled workforce necessary to drive technological advancements. The Chief People Officer is instrumental in building a high-performing organization and promoting employee engagement. Jill Larsen's leadership focuses on creating an environment where employees can thrive, contributing to Synopsys's success in the competitive global technology landscape and supporting its mission to enable the creation of complex electronic chips.
    Jill Larsen

    Rick Runkel - General Counsel

    Rick Runkel, the General Counsel at Synopsys, leads the company's legal affairs and provides strategic counsel on all matters of law. Runkel oversees the legal framework that supports Synopsys's global operations, ensuring compliance and mitigating risk across its EDA software and IP solutions business. This executive position is vital for navigating the complex legal landscape of the technology industry. The General Counsel advises on corporate governance, intellectual property protection, and regulatory matters. Rick Runkel's expertise ensures that Synopsys operates with integrity and adheres to all legal requirements, safeguarding the company's interests and supporting its continued innovation and market leadership in semiconductor design.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Synopsys Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Synopsys?
    Synopsys is led by David DeMaria (Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as James Lindstrom (Chief Operating Officer) and Isaac Robinsom (President).
    Who is part of Synopsys’s executive team?
    The executive team of Synopsys includes leaders such as David DeMaria (Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer), James Lindstrom (Chief Operating Officer), Isaac Robinsom (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Synopsys have?
    Synopsys has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Synopsys’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Synopsys includes roles such as Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief of Staff, Senior VP, Corporate Operations & Office Chief of Staff.