Synopsys Announces Major Board Changes: Appointment of Peter Shimer and Director Transitions

Key Points for Investors

• Synopsys (NASDAQ: SNPS) appoints Peter A. Shimer, former Deloitte executive, to its Board of Directors.
• Shimer brings four decades of high-level experience, including interim CEO at Deloitte and audit committee leadership.
• He will join Synopsys’ audit committee, a critical role for governance and oversight.
• Board refreshment: Luis Borgen and Dr. Ajei Gopal will not be renominated, signaling active board evolution.
• Ongoing integration of Ansys, another major industry player, is highlighted as a key strategic initiative.

Detailed Article

Sunnyvale, Calif., February 19, 2026 – Synopsys, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNPS) has announced the immediate appointment of
Peter A. Shimer to its Board of Directors. Shimer is a highly respected executive with four decades at Deloitte, one of the world’s leading public accounting firms, where he served in numerous leadership capacities, most notably as interim CEO in 2022 and 2023. During his tenure, Deloitte’s annual revenues more than doubled, growing by over 135% to \$30 billion.

Shimer’s expertise spans strategic business advisory, financial management, and corporate governance. He is renowned for his stewardship of Deloitte’s executive committee and his role in implementing global enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. He also oversaw the expansion and development of Deloitte University, further demonstrating his commitment to operational excellence and talent development.

Beyond Deloitte, Shimer currently chairs the Cancer Artificial Intelligence Alliance (CAIA), a consortium of leading academic medical centers, where he is driving the development of advanced cancer laboratories leveraging AI and federated learning platforms. He also serves on the board of Alaska Airlines and holds a BA in accounting from the University of Washington.

Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi commented, “Pete is an expert at advising executive teams on complex business matters from strategy, to financials, to corporate governance. He will be an excellent addition to the board as we continue to transform Synopsys to empower engineers across industries with leading solutions, helping them design and deliver AI-powered products from silicon to systems.”

Board Refreshment and Director Departures

In a move reflecting Synopsys’ commitment to ongoing board refreshment, the company also announced that Luis Borgen and Dr. Ajei Gopal will not be renominated for the board. Both will continue serving until the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders. Executive Chair and Founder Aart de Geus expressed gratitude for their contributions, particularly in transforming Synopsys into a leader in the “silicon-to-systems engineering market.”

These transitions are particularly noteworthy as Synopsys continues its integration of Ansys, a major player in engineering simulation and analysis. The ongoing integration of Ansys is a strategic move that could materially affect Synopsys’ growth, capabilities, and competitive positioning.

Potential Shareholder Impact & Price Sensitivity

• Appointment of Peter Shimer brings significant financial and governance expertise to Synopsys, potentially improving oversight and strategic execution.
• Board refreshment signals a proactive approach to governance, which may be viewed positively by the market.
• Ongoing Ansys integration is a high-profile strategic initiative that could impact share value, depending on execution and synergies realized.
• Departures of Borgen and Gopal may indicate a shift in board dynamics and priorities, which investors should monitor closely.

Company Overview

Synopsys is a global leader in engineering solutions from silicon to systems, providing industry-leading design, IP, simulation, analysis, and design services. The company’s focus on AI-powered innovation positions it well for growth across multiple industries, especially as R&D teams increasingly design silicon-powered, software-defined, and AI-enhanced systems.

Contacts

For further information, media contacts are:
Cara Walker
[email protected]
[email protected]

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to buy or sell Synopsys shares. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor regarding potential impacts on share price and investment decisions.

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