5 April 2011

IQE CEO Nelson elected as new president of EPIC

The European Photonics Industry Consortium (EPIC) of Paris, France has elected Dr Drew Nelson, president and CEO of epiwafer foundry and substrate maker IQE plc of Cardiff, Wales, UK, as its president.

With 80 voting members and over 400 associate members, EPIC promotes sustainable development for European organizations working in photonics. Working together, EPIC members have played a leading role in creating and operating the European Technology Platform, Photonics-21, as well as many European projects, such as LIFT for fiber-laser development and Nexpresso, which supports commercial innovation by small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Nelson succeeds Jean-François Coutris of Sagem Défense et Sécurité, who has completed serving two terms as second president. He begins his term today, presiding at EPIC’s annual general assembly in Paris.

Picture: IQE's president and CEO, Dr Drew Nelson.

Nelson co-founded Epitaxial Products International (EPI) in Cardiff in 1988 with start-up capital from Shell Ventures. He has held the role of CEO since leading a management buy-out from Shell in 1996. In 1999, he led the merger of EPI with Quantum Epitaxial Designs (QED) of Bethlehem, PA, USA, forming IQE Group. IQE was subsequently listed, initially on EASDAQ in 1999, then fully on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in 2000.

IQE has since grown to be the largest outsource manufacturer of advanced semiconductor wafers, supplying all 12 of the top wireless chip companies globally. It now consists of eight group companies spanning Europe, USA and Asia.

In July 2000, Nelson was awarded a silver medal by the Royal Academy of Engineering for his contribution to British engineering. Also, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours of 2001, he was awarded the OBE for services to the electronics industry. In 2004 Nelson was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, and in 2005 he was awarded an Honorary Dr. Eng degree from the University of Sheffield.

Tags: European Photonics Industry Consortium IQE

Visit: http://epic-assoc.com

Visit: www.iqep.com

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