Foxconn Appoints Kathy Yang as Rotating CEO, Marking Key Milestones in Corporate Leadership
Hon Hai Technology Group, known as Foxconn, the world’s largest electronics manufacturing services provider, has appointed Kathy Yang Chiu-chin as its new rotating Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Monday. This appointment highlights Foxconn’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders and marks two important milestones in the company’s corporate governance structure.
Yang’s promotion as the second rotating CEO represents the continuation of a significant initiative introduced by Foxconn Chairman Young Liu a year ago. This initiative aims to develop sustainable leadership by providing top managers with early exposure to Group-level responsibilities. Yang’s appointment also holds historical significance as she becomes the first woman to take on the rotating CEO role, underscoring her extensive experience in global logistics, trade compliance, and overseeing worldwide campus operations.
Chairman Liu emphasized the importance of leadership planning for ensuring the long-term sustainability of an organization. He explained, “The rotating CEO system plays a crucial role in preparing leaders by offering them hands-on experience in managing large-scale operations, allowing them to hone the skills required for broader leadership roles.” Liu further noted that the program cultivates a pool of leaders capable of excelling in both operational execution and organizational management, contributing to the company’s sustained growth.
Reflecting on the success of the program, Liu highlighted the performance of CC Lin, the inaugural rotating CEO and head of Foxconn’s E Business Group. Lin’s year-long term as CEO was marked by strong operational performance, setting a solid precedent for future rotating CEOs. The E Business Group, under Lin’s leadership, covers diverse business areas such as gaming, thermal modules, lightweight metal chassis, printed circuit boards (PCB), and electric vehicle (EV) electronic modules.
Yang’s appointment continues Foxconn’s mission to create a robust leadership pipeline, with Yang herself being a key figure in driving the company’s expansion. With over 30 years of experience in supply chain and logistics, Yang brings a wealth of expertise to the role. She believes that building a more agile, sustainable leadership structure will allow the company to respond quickly to market challenges, enhancing its competitive edge. “We are focused on strengthening corporate governance by creating systems that support sustainable leadership,” Yang remarked, highlighting her vision for Foxconn’s future.
In addition to her role as rotating CEO, Yang also serves as Foxconn’s Global Chief Campus Operation Officer, a new position created last year to oversee and optimize the Group’s global operations. This position focuses on streamlining service support from Foxconn’s headquarters to its campuses, which has become increasingly important due to shifting geopolitical dynamics. Yang is also Foxconn’s Chief Logistics and Trade Compliance Officer, and she holds the position of Chairperson and CEO of JUSDA, Foxconn’s logistics arm and a key subsidiary. Under Yang’s leadership, JUSDA has grown from a small internal logistics operation into a leading global logistics solutions provider with annual revenue reaching USD 2.5 billion.
Throughout her tenure at Foxconn, Yang has steadily expanded her responsibilities, gaining valuable experience in global operations, stakeholder engagement, and industry expertise. She currently manages teams of more than 8,000 employees across the world. In 2015, Yang led the transformation of Foxconn’s internal logistics division into an independent entity, JUSDA, which rapidly grew under her leadership. This expansion included driving JUSDA’s revenues from just USD 120 million to its current USD 2.5 billion.
Before joining Foxconn, Yang spent nearly 20 years at United Parcel Service (UPS), where she honed her skills in logistics management and developed deep expertise in the industry. Her impressive track record and leadership capabilities have made her a recognized figure in the global business community.
In recognition of her achievements, Yang was honored with a prestigious award in 2023, being named a winner in the Specialist category at the WeQual Awards, Asia-Pacific. The WeQual Awards are known for celebrating diversity and championing women in leadership roles, and Yang’s selection as one of the 24 finalists was a testament to her outstanding contributions to the business world. She was chosen from a highly competitive pool of candidates after a rigorous selection process, which evaluates leadership qualities and professional achievements.
Yang’s leadership philosophy centers on the idea that strong governance, collaboration, and adaptability are key to sustaining a successful business in today’s rapidly evolving global market. She is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where Foxconn’s diverse teams can thrive and continue to drive innovation and growth.
Foxconn’s rotating CEO system not only focuses on leadership development but also serves as a model for other organizations looking to build resilient, adaptable leadership structures. By rotating top managers through the CEO role, Foxconn ensures that its future leaders are well-rounded and ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing technological landscape.
In conclusion, Kathy Yang’s appointment as Foxconn’s rotating CEO represents a significant step forward for the company, not only in terms of leadership diversity but also in its commitment to developing a sustainable and agile leadership pipeline. With her extensive experience, visionary leadership, and dedication to operational excellence, Yang is well-positioned to guide Foxconn as it continues to navigate the complexities of the global market and strive for greater success in the years to come.
