Pragmatic Semiconductor has appointed Dr. Paul James as Executive Vice President of Manufacturing & Operations, effective immediately. The leadership change comes as the UK semiconductor company works to expand manufacturing capacity and respond to growing customer demand.
James brings 25 years of experience across semiconductor manufacturing, fab operations, technology transfers, industrialisation and business transformation. He most recently spent a decade as Managing Director of Vishay Newport Limited, formerly Nexperia, where he led the site’s transition from an integrated device manufacturer to an independent foundry while restructuring its commercial and operational capabilities.
His previous experience also includes senior technical and operational roles at MAX I.E.G., Plessey Semiconductors and Zarlink Semiconductor. At Pragmatic, he succeeds Shane Geary, who oversaw the opening and ramp-up of the company’s high-volume manufacturing operations during his nearly three-year tenure.
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James will lead manufacturing operations at Pragmatic Park in the North East of England, with a focus on increasing capacity and operational performance. The appointment comes as semiconductor manufacturers face growing pressure to scale production while maintaining efficiency, quality and supply-chain resilience.
The move also highlights the importance of manufacturing expertise as semiconductor companies transition innovative technologies from development into higher-volume production. For Pragmatic, the next phase will involve balancing manufacturing scale with the operational demands of its flexible 300mm semiconductor technology.
