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Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult Announces Incoming CEO

30th March 2021

CSA Catapult is pleased to announce the official appointment of Martin McHugh as its new CEO, taking the reins after two years as CTO and recently as interim CEO.

Martin brings electronics industry experience and a deep understanding of the importance of the South Wales CSconnected compound semiconductor cluster to the local economy. He has worked in and led collaborative research and development for over 15 years and has been engaged in 30 research programs. He also sits on the Industrial Advisory Board for the School of Engineering at Cardiff University.

Martin has a passion for developing people. As CTO, he has established a 50 strong engineering team which is closely involved in the growth strategy of the organisation and has the technical expertise needed to deliver the Catapult’s mission.  Martin has also been integral to the development of the evaluation module concept, which enables new compound semiconductor technologies to be road-tested in a safe environment. This is helping to accelerate the adoption of compound semiconductors, strengthening the supply chain in the UK and internationally.

Commenting on his new role, Martin said:

“After a period of sustained growth, in which we have won several high-profile consortia projects that are building a thriving compound semiconductor supply chain across the UK, we are now positioned to support the development of essential future technologies in Catapult programmes addressing opportunities in Net Zero, Future Telecoms and Intelligent Sensing.”

Commenting on behalf of the Board of Directors, Chairman of the Board, Kevin Crofton said:

“We are delighted that Martin has agreed to lead the Catapult into its next phase. We are moving from strength to strength and look forward to continued success with ever increasing impact on the compound semiconductor supply chain.”

The Catapult was founded in 2018 in response to the opportunity that compound semiconductors opened up in relation to essential future technologies. Its work is focused around building on this opportunity, providing a space, equipment and expertise to bring innovations to market more quickly.

The Catapult is addressing some of the key challenges that industry and innovation will face in the near future such as the electrification of transport to achieve the UK government’s target of Net Zero by 2050.