SEMI Veteran to Lead Global Programs Supporting EDA and Semiconductor Ecosystem
MILPITAS, Calif. — April 30, 2026 — SEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced the appointment of Julie Rogers as Executive Director of the Electronic System Design Alliance (ESDA), a SEMI Technology Community.
In her new position, Rogers will lead global programs supporting the electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor ecosystem. She will oversee strategy, member initiatives, and high-impact events that connect EDA leaders, semiconductor companies, and system designers. Rogers replaces Robert P. Smith who has moved into an advisory role after serving as Executive Director for 11 years.
“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, 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. We extend our gratitude to Bob Smith for his leadership as Executive Director over the past 11 years and look forward to his continued support as an ESDA advisor.”
Rogers brings more than 30 years of experience driving growth, visibility, and alignment across complex, highly technical markets. She is widely recognized for her leadership in driving industry collaboration, technical conferences, executive engagement, and ecosystem development. Over the past decade, she served as Director of Marketing and Operations for ESDA, congruent with over seven years as Director of Marketing for SEMI Americas, where she led integrated marketing campaigns, digital strategy, member development, brand advancement, media trades, and public relations efforts.
Earlier in her career, Rogers founded and led a successful marketing firm specializing in large‑scale event planning and grant writing for healthcare technology and medical device companies. She also brings a strong background in broadcast media, further strengthening her ability to amplify thought leadership and industry impact. Rogers holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from California State University, Sacramento.
About the Electronic System Design Alliance
The Electronic System Design (ESD) Alliance, a SEMI Technology Community, is the central voice to communicate and promote the value of the semiconductor design ecosystem as a vital component of the global electronics industry. As an international association of companies providing goods and services throughout the semiconductor design ecosystem, it is a forum to address technical, marketing, economic and legislative issues affecting the entire industry. For more information about the ESD Alliance, visit http://esd-alliance.org.
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About SEMI
SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.
Link to Press Release