The co-founder of one Wales’ leading tech business IQE, Dr Drew Nelson, has stood down from its board.
Dr Nelson co-founded the Cardiff-based business in 1988 and from 1999 to 2021 served as its chief executive , overseeing its growth and establishing its as a global leader in compound semiconductor wafer products and services.
After standing down as CEO he was appointed president and a non-executive director – where he has provided support to IQE’s current chief executive Americo Lemos, who took up his role in 2022.
IQE is retaining Dr Nelson’s services on a consultancy basis for a further year to provide continued expertise and support on industry-related issues.
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He plans to focus on his interests in continuing to build the South Wales compound semiconductor cluster, the wider UK and international semiconductor and deep tech industry, and his role as chairman of the Advisory Board of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on semiconductors.
Mr Lermos said: “On behalf of everyone at IQE, I’d like to thank Drew for his contribution to this business over more than 35 years. His support since I was appointed as chief executive was key to the success of the transition, and his advice and guidance as a Board member has been invaluable.”
Phil Smith, chairman of IQE, said: “Drew’s contributions to IQE as a founder, CEO and president, cannot be understated. He has been instrumental to the business’s growth from start-up to a global innovator and leader in the sector.
“Drew will continue to be a key figure in the semiconductor industry in his work with the South Wales compound semiconductor cluster, and other related activities, and we look forward to working with him in this capacity.”
