Catapults
Catapult Network Cell and Gene Therapy Connected Places Digital Energy Systems High Value Manufacturing Medicines Discovery Offshore Renewable Energy Satellite Applications
Search

CSA Catapult appoints Caroline O’Brien as new CEO

Date: 05.09.2025

Smiling woman in a black blazer stands by a window and potted plant in a bright, modern office setting. - CSA Catapult

Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult has appointed Caroline O’Brien as its new Chief Executive Officer, who will join in late September.

A semiconductor industry specialist, Caroline O’Brien is currently CEO of Kubos Semiconductors and brings over 30 years of experience in the technology sector, where she has developed a broad knowledge of working with VC-backed businesses and blue-chip multinationals.

She has held senior commercial and executive positions in several companies, focusing on developing and commercialising new technologies and products.

Caroline holds a B.Eng in Electronics and Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Bath.

Martin McHugh stepped down as CEO of the Catapult in March 2025 and Raj Gawera, who joined the board in 2021, was appointed CEO on an interim basis from April 1st 2025 and will return to his previous role as Non-Executive Director.

“I would like to thank Raj Gawera for leading the Catapult at such an important time and guiding the organisation to meet the challenges of commercialisation and the mobilisation of the UK Semiconductor Centre. He has brought fresh perspectives, drawing on his extensive industrial experience and made a significant contribution to the future potential of the Catapult. This will help to deliver a smooth transition as Caroline takes on the leadership of the Catapult.

“We are very pleased to appoint Caroline O’Brien as the Catapult’s Chief Executive Officer. Caroline brings extensive industry experience, deep technical expertise, and valuable perspectives of leading and growing a semiconductor company.

“Caroline’s experience in commercialisation and scaling a business will be crucial as the Catapult supports the UK’s Industrial Strategy and the new UK Semiconductor Centre. Her background will help the Catapult become more commercial, enhance support for SMEs, and deliver technical excellence to new partners.

“This is an important time for the semiconductor sector globally, and there are significant opportunities and partnerships for the Catapult to capitalise on and help grow the UK economy.”

Jonathan Flint - Chair of the Board, CSA Catapult

“I am thrilled to be appointed CEO of CSA Catapult at such an exciting time.  I also look forward to working with the highly qualified and talented team, in order to navigate the business through the next phase of commercialisation and beyond.

“Together we can embrace the opportunities for growth, across a number of semiconductor markets, and thus increase revenue, help deliver the UK industrial strategy and develop economic prosperity.”

Caroline O'Brien - new CEO of CSA Catapult

“We’re delighted to welcome Caroline O’Brien as the new CEO of the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult. Caroline joins at a pivotal time, as the UK accelerates its position as a global lead in commercialising compound semiconductor technologies as part of our industrial strategy.” 

Gary Cutts - Innovate UK Executive Director for Digital and Technologies

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working closely with the CSA Catapult team during my interim period. I return to the board with much better insight into how to steer the Catapult to growth and greater success.”

Raj Gawera - Interim CEO of CSA Catapult