29 June 2007
 

IQE plc

 

SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY HONOURS IQE plc CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Europe’s semiconductor industry has honoured the lifetime achievements of Dr Drew Nelson, President and CEO of global semiconductor company IQE plc and Chairman of the Welsh Electronics Forum.

He received a prestigious lifetime achievement award at one of the most important events in the calendar for Europe’s semiconductor industry, which relocated from Edinburgh to Cardiff this year in recognition of the growth of the industry in Wales.

After seven years in the Scottish capital, S2K took place at The National Museum & Galleries Wales. The Welsh technology and semiconductor industry employs almost 27,000 people and comprises more than 500 companies. Conference organiser, the UK-wide Joint Equipment and Materials Initiative (JEMI) was supported by the Welsh Electronic Forum and Welsh Assembly Government, which is now working to ensure the event returns to Wales next year.

S2K drew representatives from Europe’s leading semiconductor, optoelectronics and compound semiconductor companies, most of whom are chief executive officers, managing directors, technical managers and sales and marketing managers.

S2K Chairman Mike Smyth said the Cardiff event was a huge success. “For a Cardiff-based industry leader to have collected the top award at the event was an added bonus,” he said. “Dr Drew Nelson has made a huge impact on the industry, not only via his own companies but through his dedicated support for the Welsh Electronics Forum.”

Dr Chris Young, Chief Executive of the Welsh Electronics Forum, added, “The event was tremendous recognition of the progress made in Wales. Drew thoroughly deserved his personal honour because he has been a fantastic supporter of the Forum for many years.”

The Forum acts on behalf of the industry and encourages innovation and increased competitiveness within the technology industry in Wales. Promoting worldwide confidence in electronics, semiconductors and software, the Forum reflects the progressive and vibrant nature of Wales’ most exciting industry

 

CONTACTS:

IQE plc (UK):
+44 (0)29 2083 9400
Chris Meadows