Mr. Hinckley currently handles Xilinx's legal affairs. He is the vice president, strategic plans and programs, general counsel and secretary. He directs the legal, strategic planning, licensing, and merger and acquisition functions. He has been with Xilinx since November, 1991. 

Prior to joining Xilinx, Hinckley worked at Spectra-Physics, Inc. where he handled their legal, financial and administrative functions. Before that he was employed by Skjerven, Morrill, MacPherson, Franklin & Friel, a forty attorney law firm emphasizing patent and intellectual property law. As a partner in the firm, he represented technology companies in litigation, licensing, and general business transactions. 

Hinckley's major accomplishments include establishing a cost effective legal department responsible for contract administration, external and governmental affairs and employee relations. He has also negotiated major technology exchange agreements which resulted in U.S. technology exports to Japan. 

Hinckley has a BS degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and a law degree from Tulane University. He has also completed the executive program in financial management at Stanford University.