Last Updated on: 23rd September 2025, 06:03 pm
Novomorphic, the Welsh semiconductor design company supported by Cadence Design Systems, CSA Catapult and the Welsh Government, has confirmed the appointment of Amar Abid-Ali as Chief Executive Officer.
Abid-Ali brings over two decades of expertise in deep technology, spanning both technical leadership and commercial execution. His appointment follows the establishment of Novomorphic’s strategic board and reflects the company’s progression from strategic planning to operational delivery.
“I’m excited to join Novomorphic and help shape it from the ground up,” said Abid-Ali. “We have a fantastic opportunity to tackle the most challenging problems in semiconductors, at the system level, where digital, mixed-signal and compound technologies converge. Whether it’s intelligent edge sensing, high-efficiency power systems, photonics, or integrated RF solutions, we’re going to build solutions that customers can take to market and scale commercially.”
As CEO, his immediate focus will be on three priorities: assembling a high-performing engineering team across multiple domains, building early client partnerships in rapidly growing sectors such as edge AI and industrial sensing, and creating technical development capabilities that align with national industrial objectives.
Highlighting Wales’ strengths, Abid-Ali explained: “Wales has world-class manufacturing capabilities. Our role is to add the design intelligence, architecting systems, optimising performance, and fully leveraging the advanced materials produced by local fabrication facilities.”
Novomorphic’s strategy also includes capturing a greater share of the semiconductor value chain within the UK and investing in a strong domestic talent pipeline through collaborations with universities and regional stakeholders.
Prior to joining, Abid-Ali was Chief Commercial Officer at CSA Catapult, where he gained experience supporting both start-ups and established tech firms. This background provides him with insight into scaling technical organisations while ensuring commercial viability.
Martin McHugh, Chair of the Board at Novomorphic, stated: “Amar brings the technical depth and commercial discipline essential for building globally competitive design capabilities. His appointment represents the beginning of our delivery phase. The board has established our strategic vision, now Amar will lead its implementation and execution.”
The appointment comes as the semiconductor industry faces a shift towards integrated, system-level solutions. “The semiconductor industry is moving beyond standalone chips toward integrated systems,” Abid-Ali said. “Companies need partners who can architect complete solutions from the ground up. That’s the capability we’re building here in Wales.”
