MUNICH, Germany — As Vice President of Analog Device's Automotive Group, Thomas Wessel will head all teams at the semiconductor vendor dealing with customers in the automotive value chain. Hitherto, Wessel was Sales Vice President for Analog Device's European organization.

The move is part of establishing a new an organizational structure at the chip vendor headquartered in Norwood (Mass). The company expects that sales of electronic parts and systems into the automotive value chain will grow faster that the revenues achieved by selling the vehicles — in more simple words, that the electronics content for cars will increase. Currently Analog Devices develops components for active safety systems such as stability control systems and driver assistance systems, as well as for infotainment and interior applications.

In the electronics business for more than 15 years, Thomas Wessel joined Analog Devices as Regional Sales Director for Central Europe. In 2005 he was appointed Sales Director Europe and later Vice President Sales for Euope. Since the beginning of the current year, Wessel also oversaw ADIs global automotive sales.