On the same week when Intel Corp. announced the beginning of search for a new chief executive, United Microelectronics Corp. also disclosed management restructuring. Starting immediately, Po-Wen Yen appointed will become the new CEO of UMC, whereas the former chief executive Shih-Wei Sun got promoted to vice chairman.

UMC, the world’s third largest contract maker of semiconductors, announced this week that its board of directors appointed senior vice president Po-Wen Yen as the company's new CEO, effective immediately. Former CEO Shih-Wei Sun was promoted to the position of UMC vice chairman. The move is intended to strengthen UMC's competitiveness as Mr. Yen leverages his successful 300mm manufacturing experience, just as the company brings its multi-billion dollar Fab 12A expansion online.

"My top priority as CEO will be to ensure we meet customers' needs. In addition, I am eager to tackle upcoming challenges as UMC steers through industry and macroeconomic headwinds. I will focus on enhancing UMC's core competencies of foundry process technology and manufacturing through sound implementation and execution, and intend to take advantage of UMC's world-class management team to further benefit our customers, shareholders, and employees," said Mr. Yen.

Prior to becoming CEO, Po-Wen Yen was UMC's senior vice president responsible for 300mm operations. Mr. Yen joined UMC in 1986 and was responsible for the operation of fabs 8AB and 8C. He also served as the vice president for UMC-SG, UMC's 300mm operation in Singapore.

"It has been rewarding during my four years as CEO to ensure quality execution of UMC's customer-driven strategy. I am grateful to now serve as the company's vice chairman, with the opportunity to shape the company's future direction from a strategic perspective. In the meantime, I feel very confident in Mr. Po-Wen Yen's abilities to help achieve UMC's business objectives,” said Mr. Sun.

Tags: UMC, Semiconductor, 300mm