UK Semiconductor Centre Appoints Martin O’Sullivan And Steve Taylor As Directors To Support Industry Growth

Martin O’Sullivan has been named Director of Investment, while Steve Taylor becomes Director of Strategic Marketing.

These appointments are part of UKSC’s plan to help the sector take advantage of a global market expected to grow significantly over the next decade, driven by rising demand for AI data centres and advanced computing.

In his role, Martin O’Sullivan will focus on helping UK semiconductor companies scale and grow. He will lead investor relations, making it easier for founders to access both public and private funding, and build a stronger network of investors in the sector.

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He joins UKSC with experience in technology equity research and capital markets, where he worked on analysing complex tech businesses and communicating their value to investors. He also holds a PhD in semiconductor physics and previously worked in R&D roles at Toshiba and Philips Research Laboratories.

"I am delighted to be joining the UK Semiconductor Centre at such a significant moment for the sector as the UK builds on its significant semiconductor strengths to take advantage of one of the most important industrial opportunities we have faced.

"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. 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." 

As Director of Strategic Marketing, Steve Taylor will lead all marketing and communications efforts at the UK Semiconductor Centre.

His role will focus on promoting the UK’s strengths in the semiconductor sector and building a clear, compelling story for global audiences. He will also help ensure that industry, investors, and government have a unified view of the UK’s capabilities, while showcasing the country’s strengths internationally.

Steve brings over 30 years of experience across semiconductors and advanced technology. He has held senior roles at Arm, Linaro, Paragraf, and the Autoware Foundation, helping organisations grow globally and collaborate across industry, government, and academia.

At Arm, he led global PR during the company’s rise as a major competitor to Intel.

“The UK has exceptional strengths across semiconductor design, photonics, advanced materials and emerging technologies. The opportunity now is to bring these together into a clear and compelling narrative that resonates globally,” said Taylor.

“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.”

About UK Semiconductor Centre

Founded in 2025, the UK Semiconductor Centre acts as a gateway to the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem. It connects, represents, and promotes the sector both nationally and globally, aiming to unlock its full potential by driving growth, expanding opportunities and increasing the industry’s international reach.