Foxconn Appoints Kathy Yang as Rotating CEO

Hon Hai Technology Group, better known as Foxconn, has named Kathy Yang Chiu-chin as its new rotating Chief Executive Officer, effective this week. The appointment marks two significant milestones for the world’s largest electronics manufacturing service provider: strengthening its next-generation leadership pipeline and naming the first woman to the rotating CEO post in the company’s history.

Yang steps into the role as the second executive to hold the rotating CEO position, a system introduced by Foxconn Chairman Young Liu a year ago to reinforce sustainable leadership practices at the global tech giant. The rotational system is designed to give General Managers early exposure to Group-level leadership responsibilities, developing future leaders through real operational and organizational management experience.

“Leadership planning is critical for enterprises focused on long-term sustainability. The rotating CEO system is a key pillar in that strategy,” said Chairman Liu in the announcement. He credited inaugural rotating CEO CC Lin with setting a strong precedent during his tenure, successfully steering Foxconn’s E Business Group, which spans gaming, thermal modules, lightweight chassis, PCB manufacturing, and EV electronics.

A Proven Logistics and Supply Chain Leader

With over 30 years of experience in global logistics and trade compliance, Yang brings extensive operational leadership to the CEO rotation. She concurrently serves as Foxconn’s Global Chief Campus Operation Officer — a role established to optimize the company’s sprawling international manufacturing campuses — and as Chief Logistics and Trade Compliance Officer. Additionally, she is Chairperson and CEO of JUSDA, a leading logistics subsidiary of Foxconn.

Notably, Yang led JUSDA’s transformation from an internal logistics division into an independent company in 2015, scaling its annual revenue from USD 120 million to USD 2.5 billion.

Recognition for Leadership and Diversity

Yang’s appointment is also a notable moment for leadership diversity in the Asian technology industry. In 2023, she was recognized by WeQual, a global diversity advocate, winning in the Specialist category at the WeQual Awards Asia-Pacific, a program highlighting women leaders on track for C-suite roles.

Industry Context: A Smart Move Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Foxconn’s leadership rotation strategy arrives at a time when the company faces mounting geopolitical challenges, supply chain pressures, and growing competition in EV and AI hardware markets. By investing in leadership agility and operational continuity through its rotational CEO program, Foxconn aims to remain resilient and responsive to global market shifts.