Alumni Profile
Tim Bucher

Electrical Engineering '86

Tim Bucher, a software executive who grew up on a farm in Healdsburg, California, came to UC Davis because he was interested in designing tractors. However, the aspiring engineer’s career goals abruptly changed when he took a required computer class during his freshman year.

“I didn’t know I would have to take computer science to do what I wanted to do,” Bucher explains. “But I quickly became fascinated by the subject and realized that this was something I might want to pursue further.” Like everything else about Davis, he recalls, the experience opened new doors.

In fact, it led to a career in which Bucher helped to develop innovative consumer products for such giants as Apple and Microsoft. The iMac, Mac mini, the iPod and WebTV are just some examples that bear the imprint of Bucher’s leadership and technical creativity.

Most recently, Bucher was founder and CEO of a Mountain View, California, start-up company called ZING Systems, which developed technology that connects consumers to their favorite music and entertainment services via wireless networks. Sirius Satellite Radio, SanDisk, and other corporations have used ZING technology to deliver innovative products to market. In 2007, Dell purchased ZING Systems where Bucher remains as the chief product officer.

Bucher, who serves on the College of Engineering Dean’s Executive Committee, is a generous volunteer and donor to the College of Engineering. The Cal Aggie Alumni Association recently recognized his achievements and professional contributions to the community and the University with their Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Meanwhile, Bucher is also active in the olive oil and wine industries, activities that allow him to stay close to his agricultural roots. “It keeps me grounded in this high-tech profession of mine,” he says. “And I still get some of my best new high-tech ideas while driving my tractors.”