Head of Semiconductor Cluster

The Head of Semiconductor Cluster is responsible for driving the development and growth of Abu Dhabi's Semiconductor Cluster by attracting global semiconductor companies, identifying and advancing strategic investment opportunities, supporting the development of a world-class semiconductor ecosystem, and delivering measurable economic impact through GDP growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), job creation, and innovation.

The role leads cluster planning, investment promotion, deal origination and assessment activities while working closely with government stakeholders, investors, industry leaders, academia, and ecosystem partners to position Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for semiconductor manufacturing, design, advanced packaging, testing, R&D, and related technologies. This scope is directly aligned with the Semiconductor Cluster responsibilities documented in the Cluster Organization Structure.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning

• Prepare and regularly update the Semiconductor Cluster strategy and development plan, including priority investment themes, market opportunities, investment requirements, and expected economic impact.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets, KPIs, and performance targets in coordination with Cluster leadership.
• Identify strategic priorities and initiatives required to accelerate growth of Abu Dhabi's semiconductor ecosystem.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive locations, and emerging technologies to inform cluster strategy.

2. Investment Attraction & Deal Origination

• Develop and execute investment attraction strategies targeting global semiconductor companies.
• Conduct international roadshows, business development missions, investor meetings, and semiconductor-focused industry events.
• Build relationships with executives, investors, foundries, design houses, Advanced Packaging and Testing (OSAT) providers, EDA companies, semiconductor equipment manufacturers, and research institutions.
• Identify, originate, and qualify investment opportunities utilizing ADIO's network and ecosystem reach.
• Promote Abu Dhabi's value proposition and facilitate investment opportunities that contribute to GDP, FDI, innovation, and job creation.

3. Deal Assessment & Transaction Support

• Evaluate investment opportunities and proposed projects against cluster strategy, commercial viability, economic impact, financial sustainability, job creation, and FDI objectives.
• Engage relevant Abu Dhabi stakeholders and industry participants to assess partnership and investment interest.
• Prepare investment assessment reports and recommendations for leadership review and approval.
• Support due diligence activities and transaction processes, including coordination on Term Sheets, SPAs, and related commercial documentation when required.
• Work closely with Value Creation and Portfolio Management teams throughout transaction execution.

4. Ecosystem Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the development of Abu Dhabi's semiconductor ecosystem across:
• Manufacturing
• Design and prototyping
• Advanced packaging and testing
• Research and development
• Talent development
• Infrastructure and utilities
• Funding and capital access
• Coordinate initiatives with government entities, regulators, academic institutions, research centers, investors, and industry stakeholders.
• Support investors throughout their establishment journey and facilitate market entry and expansion.
• Help remove regulatory, infrastructure, talent, and operational barriers to investment.
• Collaborate with Investor Growth, Portfolio Management, and other ADIO teams to maximize investor success.
• Refer suitable companies to ecosystem partners including Hub71, ADDED, KEZAD, Masdar and other relevant Abu Dhabi entities where appropriate.

5. Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Prepare bi-weekly and monthly activity reports highlighting:
• Pipeline status
• Investor engagements
• Deal progression
• Ecosystem initiatives
• Key achievements and risks
• Track and report on cluster KPIs, including:
• FDI attracted
• GDP impact
• Employment creation
• Strategic partnerships
• Investment pipeline value
• Provide ad hoc reports and briefings related to portfolio companies and strategic opportunities.

6. Special Projects & Organizational Contribution

• Lead special strategic initiatives as assigned by Cluster leadership.
• Participate in training, capability building, and organizational development activities.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and best practices across ADIO's cluster development function.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Semiconductor Technology, Electronics, Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in:
• Semiconductor industry
• Strategy consulting
• Private equity / venture capital
• SWFs
• Demonstrated experience engaging senior executives and investors.
• Strong understanding of semiconductor value chains, including:
• Fabless design
• Foundries
• Semiconductor materials
• Equipment manufacturing
• Packaging and testing
• Research and development ecosystems
• Experience evaluating investment opportunities and commercial partnerships.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, Engineering Master's).
• Experience working with government entities or economic development organizations.
• Existing global network across semiconductor companies, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of strategic investors attracted.
• FDI secured.
• GDP contribution generated.
• Jobs created.
• Number of strategic ecosystem partnerships established.
• Qualified investment pipeline value.
• Number of investment opportunities progressed through assessment and approval stages.
• Investor satisfaction and successful soft landings.