Spreadtrum CEO Leo Li named chairman of the board; Scott Sandell becomes lead director

Spreadtrum appoints CEO chairman of the board

SEATTLE — Chipmaker Spreadtrum Communications Inc. said Thursday its board has appointed the company’s CEO as chairman.

Leo Li has served as Spreadtrum’s president since 2008 and CEO since 2009. He was already on the board.

Shanghai-based Spreadtrum’s board also appointed Scott Sandell to be its lead director. He will serve as a liaison between the independent directors and the company’s senior management and will chair sessions of the board’s independent directors.

Sandell, a general partner in charge of China business for the investment group NEA, has been on the board since 2004.

Shares of Spreadtrum rose 27 cents, or 2.8 percent, to $9.97 in afternoon trading.