Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult appoints CEO

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Stephen Doran has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the new Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, part of a growing network of technology innovation centres across the UK. He is due to formally take up his position at the beginning of October.

With over 25 years experience in the electronics industry serving as the Director of Operations and Transformation within Raytheon UK, as well as Chief Operating Officer at Wolfson Microelectronics, Doran's appointment is intended to provide strategic direction of the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult, and drive its approach to accelerate the UK industry’s access and ability to exploit advancements in compound semiconductor technologies.

Speaking on his plans for the role, Doran said: “The Catapult offers the UK its best opportunity to establish itself as the global leader in compound semiconductors (CS). Ensuring this becomes a reality is a goal I share with my new team and board.

Having worked in semiconductor design and bringing new systems to market, this position provides the chance to blend these insights, working with industry partners to ensure the application of pioneering UK CS technology.”

The UK focused CSA Catapult forms a pillar of the CS Connected cluster in South Wales. The Catapult will bring together independent scientists, engineers, and industry experts at an industry leading research facility, to explore novel applications of UK designed CS technology to programmes relating to Power Electronics, Photonics, RF and Microwave.

Its ‘post-foundry’ focus is intended to make the most of opportunities for innovation and new product development to bridge the gap between companies developing novel semiconductor materials, and those developing leading-edge systems for end-user applications.

According to Doran: “The facilities and expertise the Catapult is creating will accelerate the introduction of UK developed semiconductor technology into new advanced systems, to solidify the UK’s position at the core of international supply chains spanning multiple markets across the globe.”