UK Compound Semiconductor Catapult Appoints CEO

The UK Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult has announced the appointment of Stephen Doran as its CEO. Serving as the director of operations and transformation within Raytheon UK, Stephen Doran brings over 25 years of experience in the global electronics markets. The insight generated by a career spent developing and delivering leading-edge products for the commercial and defence sectors will now be applied to placing the UK at the fore of a global compound semiconductor market predicted to be worth £125bn by 2025.

Prior to his role with global defence technology specialist, Raytheon UK, Stephen served as chief operating officer at Wolfson Microelectronics, a multinational company specialising in signal processing and mixed signal audio semiconductors. His time with consumer electronics giant Motorola saw him spearhead new product development and commercial strategy for the US, European and Asian markets.

As CEO, Stephen will lead the strategic direction of the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult, to 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 Catapult is part of nationwide network of technology innovation centres designed and created by Innovate UK to drive economic growth. Paul Mason, director of emerging and enabling technologies for Innovate UK, said: “We very much welcome Stephen’s appointment to the position of CEO.His experience, expertise and energy will help ensure that the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult accelerates business growth in this important and growing technology area.”

Commenting on the appointment, Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: “Stephen Doran brings with him over two decades of knowledge and experience of the global electronics sector and his appointment as CEO is fantastic news.This new Compound Semiconductors Applications Catapult recognises Wales’ reputation as a leader in advanced electronics, science and innovation. The UK Government’s investment in this expert hub and in this technology is helping UK companies exploit what is a very lucrative global market, and create and support jobs right across Wales.”

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 will 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.

Commenting on Doran’s appointment, Kevin Crofton,chairman of the CSA Catapult, said: “We are excited to announce Stephen’s appointment as CEO of the Catapult. He brings a wealth of experience to our team, especially in bringing new technologies to market. This experience will help the Catapult to identify and develop a range of services designed to help SMEs and larger industry players bring new compound semiconductor based products to commercial reality.”