ASML, the world’s leading supplier of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, has announced the appointment of Marco Pieters as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The leadership change comes at a pivotal time for the Dutch company as demand for its cutting-edge chipmaking systems continues to grow amid the global AI and semiconductor boom.
Veteran Leadership for a Critical Industry Player
Pieters, a 25-year veteran of ASML, brings deep expertise in engineering, research and development, and product strategy. Having joined the company in the late 1990s, he has played a central role in developing ASML’s groundbreaking extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems—the core technology that enables the production of the world’s most advanced chips.
“Marco’s extensive experience and visionary leadership will be instrumental in shaping ASML’s technological direction,” the company said in a statement. “His proven track record and dedication to advancing semiconductor manufacturing make him the right person to guide our R&D as we enter a new era of chip technology.”
Steering Innovation in EUV and High-NA Lithography
The appointment comes as TSMC, Intel, and Samsung—ASML’s largest customers—race to expand manufacturing capacity for AI, high-performance computing, and advanced mobile devices. ASML’s latest High-NA EUV machines represent the next frontier in chipmaking technology, allowing smaller and more power-efficient transistors at nanoscale dimensions.
Pieters is expected to focus on accelerating R&D efforts into next-generation lithography tools and deepening collaboration with leading chipmakers to optimize production efficiency. His leadership will be critical as ASML works to deliver even more precise and powerful lithography systems to meet the industry’s growing performance and efficiency needs.
Continuity and Stability in a Geopolitical Era
Beyond technical innovation, Pieters’ appointment signals ASML’s commitment to stability and continuity within its leadership structure. The company continues to navigate global supply chain challenges and geopolitical tensions surrounding semiconductor exports, particularly between Western nations and China. Analysts believe Pieters’ long-standing relationships within ASML will be key to maintaining strategic focus during this complex period.
Driving the Future of Semiconductor Manufacturing
Industry experts anticipate that under Pieters’ guidance, ASML will intensify its pursuit of next-generation technologies that further reduce chip size and energy use—key priorities for sustaining Moore’s Law in the AI era. As the only manufacturer of EUV lithography machines, ASML remains indispensable to the production of advanced semiconductors that power everything from smartphones to supercomputers.
With Marco Pieters at the technological helm, ASML is positioning itself to continue defining the future of semiconductor innovation, ensuring that the world’s digital infrastructure keeps advancing in efficiency, scale, and performance.
