TechWorks appoints Jillian Hughes to lead UK semiconductors

TechWorks has appointed Jillian Hughes as its Head of Semiconductors.

Jillian Hughes brings over three decades of experience within the semiconductor industry, having previously held positions at National Semiconductor, Seagate Microelectronics, and Motorola. She has also served as Network Director for the UK's semiconductor manufacturing body, NMI, within TechWorks.

In her new role, Hughes will be responsible for overseeing the development of TechWorks' Semiconductor and Systems Design Network. Her objectives include advancing the UK's semiconductor industry on a global scale and contributing to the organisation's government advocacy activities.

A collaborative Government Report titled "Semiconductor Sector Study", which included input from TechWorks, revealed that UK semiconductor companies generated GBP £9.6 billion in revenue in 2022, accounting for approximately 2% of the global semiconductor revenue. The report also estimated that the sector employs around 15,000 people across the UK, with UK firms making up more than 60% of this workforce.

The TechWorks Semiconductor Systems Design Network aims to lead strategic initiatives intended to bolster the UK industry. These initiatives include promoting cross-industry collaboration to address business and technology challenges, supporting innovation through cross-sector projects, and fostering academia-industry partnerships to advance research initiatives.

The network also plans to aid in developing international trade opportunities to enhance the UK's global influence. It will work closely with government bodies on strategy, policy, and trade initiatives that aim to drive growth within the sector.

Commenting on her new position, Hughes said, "Semiconductors are transforming our lives and underpin all new emerging technologies. The UK possesses a strong heritage in chip design and manufacturing ever since the first commercialised transistors in the 1950s, and today hosts many globally successful companies. I am excited to be rejoining TechWorks to lead our semiconductor initiatives, working with industry, academia and government as we continue to drive growth across this critical sector."

Charles Sturman, Chief Executive Officer of TechWorks, also welcomed Hughes back to the organisation, stating, "I am excited to welcome Jillian back to TechWorks at a unique moment in the global semiconductor industry. The market is forecast to double to $1 trillion in the next 5 years, presenting huge opportunities for the UK economy. Jillian's experience and drive will allow us to accelerate our collaboration activities to help grow the UK Deep Tech sector, extend our international outreach, and build stronger links with government. The UK has world-class strength in semiconductor design, with more than 150 companies active today, and building on this will be her focus going forward."

TechWorks remains committed to collaborating with leading UK semiconductor firms to address the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities that will drive the success of the UK's semiconductor sector.