Smith promotes Kishore Gottumukkala to VP of IT Engineering

Smith named Kishore Gottumukkala vice president of IT Engineering as the company pushes to strengthen its software deployment, security and AI capabilities. The move comes as Smith looks to modernize its technology stack while keeping tighter control over data security across its global operations. Why it matters: - Smith is elevating a long-tenured internal leader to guide technology modernization, security and AI work. - The role sits at the center of Smith’s effort to improve how it builds and deploys software across the business. - The appointment signals that Smith is tying its next phase of growth to deeper IT capability. What happened: - Smith appointed Kishore Gottumukkala vice president of IT Engineering on June 16, 2026. - Gottumukkala will focus on strengthening Smith’s technology stack and deployment infrastructure. - His remit includes advancing AI initiatives and embedding security across the company’s technological infrastructure. - Gottumukkala called the role “a privilege” and said he is focused on modernizing processes, strengthening security and shaping Smith’s future. The details: - Gottumukkala joined Smith in November 2013 as a Senior Project Delivery Lead and Business Analyst. - Smith promoted him to director of IT in July 2018. - In that director role, Gottumukkala led programs aimed at improving Smith’s IT capabilities internally and externally. - Smith said its AI initiatives are designed to keep the company competitive in the semiconductor industry while maintaining data-security practices. - Smith said it has continued to update IT protocols and build better functionality to deliver more value to customers. - Chief Information Officer Mike Mercado said Gottumukkala’s leadership aligns with Smith’s long-term strategic goals. - Mercado said Gottumukkala’s leadership style supports creativity, cross-team communication and continuous learning. Between the lines: - The promotion points to succession from within, which often helps preserve institutional knowledge during technology transitions. - Smith is framing AI as an operational priority, but pairing that push with security suggests the company is being careful about risk. - The emphasis on deployment infrastructure suggests Smith wants faster, more controlled software delivery, not just new tools. What’s next: - Gottumukkala will lead engineering efforts tied to modernization, deployment and security. - Smith is expected to keep investing in AI-related initiatives as semiconductor industry competition intensifies. - The company will likely continue refining its IT protocols and application-development systems under the new leadership structure. The bottom line: - Smith is betting that a seasoned internal technologist can help it modernize faster without weakening security.