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SEMI has appointed Julie Rogers as Executive Director of the Electronic System Design Alliance (ESDA), strengthening its leadership team for the electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor design ecosystem.

Rogers takes over from Robert P. Smith, who will move into an advisory role after leading the alliance for 11 years. The appointment comes as the semiconductor industry continues to focus on advanced chip design, AI-driven workloads, and tighter collaboration across the supply chain.

For eeNews Europe readers, the move highlights the growing strategic importance of EDA and ecosystem partnerships as semiconductor complexity increases. Leadership changes at industry bodies such as the ESDA can also influence standards activity, technical collaboration, and industry events that shape the European chip sector.

Focus on EDA ecosystem growth

In her new role, Rogers will oversee global programs supporting the EDA and semiconductor ecosystem, including member initiatives, strategic planning, and industry events connecting semiconductor companies, EDA suppliers, and system designers.

“Julie’s leadership, industry insight, and collaborative approach will bring fresh energy and new ideas to strengthen the ESD Alliance and deliver even greater value to our global members,” said Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI. “Her longstanding tenure with SEMI and the ESDA has given her a deep understanding of our members’ needs and the evolving semiconductor industry landscape.”

Manocha also thanked Smith for his contribution to the organization over the past decade.

More than 30 years of industry experience

Rogers brings more than 30 years of experience across technical marketing, ecosystem development, and industry collaboration. Over the past decade, she served as Director of Marketing and Operations for ESDA and previously held the role of Director of Marketing for SEMI Americas.

According to SEMI, her background includes integrated marketing, executive engagement, public relations, digital strategy, and conference development for highly technical industries.

Before joining SEMI, Rogers founded a marketing firm focused on healthcare technology and medical device companies, with expertise in large-scale events and grant writing.

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