Qualcomm Plans Global Job Cuts Starting in November as CEO Pushes for Stronger Performance
New Delhi — Qualcomm plans to begin cutting jobs across its global workforce in November as the semiconductor giant seeks to strengthen employee performance and align its operations with changing business priorities, according to a report citing an internal memo from Chief Executive Officer Cristiano Amon.
The company has not disclosed how many employees will be affected by the planned workforce reductions.
In a memo sent to employees Monday, Amon emphasized the need to build a “stronger performance culture” and address cases involving employees who have “consistently fallen short of expectations,” according to Reuters.
Qualcomm employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide as of September 2025, with the majority working full-time.
The planned layoffs come as the chipmaker faces challenges from slowing demand for electronic devices, partly attributed to rising memory prices.
According to the memo, Qualcomm will evaluate its business priorities, organizational needs and employees’ skills and expertise when determining which positions will be affected.
“As we have expanded the business, so have the competencies and skills we require,” Amon said.
“We must have the right people in the right roles so they can perform at their best and the company can continue to succeed,” he added.
The workforce reductions come as Qualcomm works to diversify its business beyond smartphones and strengthen its presence in emerging technology markets.
In its July earnings report, the company projected quarterly profits below Wall Street expectations and warned that revenue from its Apple-related business would decline faster than previously anticipated.
Qualcomm has been expanding into areas including artificial intelligence infrastructure, data centers, automotive technology and connected devices as it seeks to reduce its reliance on smartphone chip sales.
The company expects growth in its data center, automotive and other non-handset businesses to more than offset declining Apple-related revenue by fiscal 2027.
Qualcomm has also indicated that it expects the majority of its chip revenue to come from markets outside smartphones by fiscal 2027, reflecting its broader strategy to capitalize on demand for advanced computing and connectivity technologies.
The planned job cuts highlight the company’s efforts to adjust its workforce and operations as it pursues growth opportunities in an increasingly competitive semiconductor market.
Qualcomm shares fell 1.16% to $171.52 in premarket trading on the Nasdaq following the report. (Source: IANS)
