News: Suppliers
1 April 2026
UK Semiconductor Centre appoints two new directors
To help drive forward its goal of unlocking the full potential of the UK semiconductor industry, the UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC) has appointed Martin O’Sullivan as director of investment and Steve Taylor as director of strategic marketing.
The appointments form a key part of the UKSC’s strategy to help the sector capture new opportunities in a global market that is expected to double over the next decade, fuelled by demand for AI data centers and advanced computing.
As director of investment, O’Sullivan will help to accelerate the scale-up and growth of semiconductor companies operating in the UK. He will lead on investor relations, making it easier for founders to access public and private funds, as well as growing a network of investors who are confident in semiconductor business models and opportunities.
He joins the UKSC having spent several years in technology equity research and capital markets, where he built extensive experience analysing complex technology businesses and explaining their strategic and commercial significance to a wide range of investors and other stakeholders.
O’Sullivan has a PhD in semiconductor physics and began his career in semiconductor R&D, including roles at Toshiba and Philips Research Laboratories.
As director of strategic marketing, Taylor will lead on all marketing and communications activities, building a narrative of UK capability that combines its heritage, strengths and distinctive offer for international audiences.
He will also ensure that industry, investors and government are provided with a joined-up picture of where the UK strengths lie, as well as promoting what the UK has to offer on the global stage.
Taylor has more than 30 years’ experience working across semiconductors, advanced hardware and global technology ecosystems, having held senior roles at Arm, Linaro, Paragraf and the Autoware Foundation, supporting organizations to scale internationally and align industry, government and academic stakeholders. At Arm, he led global PR during its rise to be widely recognised as Intel’s primary competitor.
“We know that financial scale-up continues to be a barrier for businesses operating the UK and that there is a clear role for the UKSC to improve ecosystem legibility for investors and strengthen the interface between companies and investment capital,” says O'Sullivan. “I am thoroughly looking forward to help solve this challenge and ensure UK businesses have the best possible chance of scaling, growing and reaching their full potential,” he adds.
“The UK has exceptional strengths across semiconductor design, photonics, advanced materials and emerging technologies,” says Taylor. “The opportunity now is to bring these together into a clear and compelling narrative that resonates globally. There is a strong foundation to build on, but it can often appear fragmented from the outside. The role of the UK Semiconductor Centre is to help connect that picture, making it easier for industry, investors and partners to understand where the UK’s strengths lie and how they can engage,” he adds. “I’m looking forward to helping build a confident, coherent narrative that supports growth, attracts investment and enables UK innovation to scale.”
“Steve and Martin bring with them a wealth of experience in the semiconductor industry and an impressive depth of knowledge in their specialisms, which will be of significant benefit not only to the UKSC, but the whole of our industry,” reckons the UK Semiconductor Centre’s chief operating officer Raj Gawera.
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