(Sharecast News) - Semiconductor wafer company IQE announced the appointment of Rina Pal-Goetzen as its vice president of government affairs on Tuesday.

The AIM-traded firm said that in the newly-established role, Pal-Goetzen would steer the company's response to global geopolitical developments and its pursuit of opportunities arising from government-driven initiatives worldwide, including the US CHIPS Act, UK National Semiconductor Strategy, and European Chips Act.

It said Pal-Goetzen boasted a career spanning over 15 years, marked by expertise in legal matters, trade, intellectual property, and government affairs, particularly within the semiconductor sector.

Her prior role as director of global policy at the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) saw her collaborating with major global chip companies, industry associations, and government entities to foster innovation and enhance competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.

"Semiconductors are vital to the global economy and play a critical role in national security," said chief executive officer Americo Lemos.

"We are witnessing supply chain regionalisation and governments are responding by developing national strategies, such as the US CHIPS Act, UK National Semiconductor Strategy and European Chips Act.

"Rina's expertise in dealing with international policymakers and regulators will be highly valuable as IQE continues to engage with government agencies globally."

At 1331 GMT, shares in IQE were down 2.4% at 20.3p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.