The relationship between Zhao Haijun and Liang Mengsong
**Zhao Haijun Introduction**
Zhao Haijun is the CEO of SMIC, one of China's leading semiconductor manufacturers. He holds a bachelor’s and doctorate degree in electrical engineering from Tsinghua University in Beijing and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Zhao joined SMIC in October 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks to become a senior executive. In April 2013, he was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Later that same year, he took on the role of General Manager at the SMIC North Joint Venture.
On May 10, 2017, SMIC announced that its previous CEO, Qiu Ciyun, had resigned for personal reasons. Zhao Haijun was then appointed as the new CEO, effective immediately. His leadership has been crucial in guiding SMIC through a period of rapid technological development and global competition.
**Liang Mengsong Introduction**
Liang Mengsong, aged 65, is a highly experienced figure in the semiconductor industry. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Before joining SMIC, Liang worked as a senior R&D director at TSMC from 1992 to 2009.
While SMIC did not highlight his past experience with TSMC and Samsung in its official announcement, it noted that Liang has over 33 years of experience in the semiconductor field, specializing in memory and logic technology. He holds more than 450 patents and has published over 350 technical papers.
Liang's wife, who is Korean, is also a semiconductor engineer. She once worked as a flight attendant before becoming a colleague in the U.S. During his 16 years at TSMC, Liang played a key role in the company’s success, including the breakthrough in the 130nm copper process in 2003. At that time, he was second in command for advanced modules, behind only the Senior Vice President of R&D, Jiang Shangyi.
**The Relationship Between Zhao Haijun and Liang Mengsong**
On October 16, 2017, SMIC held an interim board meeting and officially announced that Liang Mengsong would become the co-CEO of the company, effective immediately. This marked the first time SMIC had adopted a dual-CEO structure, a move that was notable in the Chinese semiconductor industry.
As co-CEO, Liang will report directly to the board of directors, just like Zhao Haijun. According to SMIC’s announcement, Liang signed a director service contract and a labor contract for a term of three years. He will receive an annual after-tax cash compensation of $200,000. The equity portion of his compensation remains undisclosed.
With this change, SMIC’s board now includes four executive directors: Zhou Zixue (Chairman), Zhao Haijun (Co-CEO), Liang Mengsong (Co-CEO), and Gao Yonggang (CFO). This restructuring aims to bring the management team closer to the board and improve communication.
SMIC’s Executive Vice President and Spokesperson, Li Zhi, stated that Liang’s appointment brought fresh energy to the company’s technology development, technical capabilities, and management practices. He emphasized that both co-CEOs believe that together, they can achieve more than individually.
In the early stages, the two co-CEOs will work closely, with Liang needing time to familiarize himself with SMIC’s operations. The dual-CEO model is seen as suitable for SMIC’s current situation. Similar structures have been used by companies like TSMC, where leadership roles are divided between external and internal affairs.
**Liang Mengsong’s Influence on SMIC**
Liang Mengsong is widely respected for his technical expertise. At TSMC, he contributed significantly to the company’s success in the 130nm copper process. After joining Samsung in 2011, he helped accelerate the transition to 14nm FinFET technology. Industry analysts are keen to see how his skills will benefit SMIC’s ongoing efforts in advanced node technologies.
Liang’s arrival is expected to enhance SMIC’s 28nm process, which is still in the maturing stage, and improve its overall R&D capabilities. The company is also working on 14nm FinFET technology, with plans for mass production by 2019. For 7nm, SMIC is still in the pre-research phase, facing challenges with EUV lithography.
There have been concerns about whether Samsung might restrict Liang’s movement or impose non-compete clauses, similar to what TSMC has done. However, SMIC has conducted risk assessments and claims there are no such issues at present.
Liang’s low salary compared to international standards suggests he is driven by mission rather than money. His appointment reflects SMIC’s growing appeal to top talent, especially as China’s semiconductor industry expands rapidly. With more overseas returnees joining, SMIC is positioning itself as a major player in the global market.
99% Ceramic Accessories,99 Porcelain Square Pieces,Ceramic Square Pieces,99 Ceramic Square Pieces
Yixing Guanming Special Ceramic Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.guanmingceramic.com