Andy McLean takes charge as the UK Semiconductor Centre’s first CEO, aiming to accelerate investment, innovation, and large-scale commercial growth across the nation’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC) has appointed Andy McLean as its first chief executive officer, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ambition to strengthen its global semiconductor presence. The move signals a shift toward accelerating commercial growth, investment attraction, and large-scale industry expansion.
Established to connect and promote the UK semiconductor ecosystem worldwide, the UKSC focuses on translating research excellence into commercial success. The organisation aligns government, industry, and academic efforts around areas where the UK holds competitive advantages, including photonics, compound semiconductors, quantum technologies, advanced materials, and next-generation computing architectures.
McLean brings nearly 40 years of semiconductor industry experience, primarily gained in the United States. During his career, he held senior leadership roles at Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, and National Semiconductor. Most recently, he served as corporate vice president of communications and cloud at Analog Devices, managing a business portfolio valued at over $1 billion across communications and power technologies. His leadership will focus on scaling UK semiconductor companies, attracting global partnerships, and driving inward investment.
Raj Gawera, who led the UKSC during its launch phase as interim CEO and chief operating officer, will continue as full-time COO, overseeing operational strategy and national engagement initiatives.
The leadership appointment comes amid rising public and private investment in advanced computing and semiconductor-adjacent technologies. Key initiatives include the UK’s £2 billion quantum programme, the £500 million Sovereign AI Unit, and funding rounds supporting emerging technology companies such as Fractile, Olix, and Nu Quantum. These programmes aim to strengthen the UK’s position in strategically important semiconductor domains.
Alongside the new CEO appointment, the UKSC has expanded its senior leadership team across international partnerships, investment, marketing, and workforce development. The organisation has also established its London headquarters at the Institute of Physics in King’s Cross, placing it within a growing innovation hub alongside major technology firms and research institutions, reinforcing the UK’s long-term semiconductor growth strategy.
