Applied Materials

Well-positioned in the semiconductor industry.

15 years ago, about 10% of the key leadership roles in the company hailed from Indian backgrounds, and everyone got the same opportunity on merit.

Come 2025, literally more than half the VPs, GMs, and key roles across the company are now Indian. It seems Indian executives have worked hard, focusing on hiring Indians at every opportunity over the last few years. Many deserving people have been overlooked in favor of an Indian when a promotion or key position opens, especially when the hiring manager is typically an Indian.

I have seen on multiple business units a VP with a VP report, followed by another VP report—literally a chain of three VP reports, and in every case all being Indians. Why do we need so many VPs, and all being from one country? It seems no one is there to keep check.

I am sure this is hurting the company's performance, since many of the people are not deserving of these positions.

I have to hold the CEO and board responsible for this clear nepotism, unless the belief is that one country is producing better employees and deserves all these leadership roles.