Ultra Clean Holdings Appoints James Xiao as New CEO for Future Growth
On August 6, 2025, Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc., recognized by its ticker symbol on Nasdaq (UCTT), made a significant announcement that has captured the attention of the tech industry. The Board of Directors has officially appointed James Xiao as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective from September 2, 2025. This announcement comes at a crucial juncture for Ultra Clean, a leader in providing critical subsystems and high-purity cleaning services primarily for the semiconductor sector.
James Xiao, a distinguished figure in the technology landscape, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Ultra Clean Holdings. With a career spanning over 20 years in semiconductor, solar, and display industries, he is renowned for spearheading multi-billion-dollar business units at Applied Materials. His proven track record in driving substantial growth and transformation through innovative strategies positions him perfectly to lead Ultra Clean towards its ambitious goals.
Clarence Granger, Chairman of Ultra Clean Holdings, expressed his enthusiasm about Mr. Xiao's appointment. He highlighted that James is not only a highly accomplished technology executive but also possesses a robust strategic mindset. Granger stated, "We are excited to have Mr. Xiao join UCT at this pivotal time. His deep industry expertise and history of leading high-performance teams will be instrumental in our continued growth."
Mr. Xiao’s impressive history also includes transforming complex global operations into highly efficient, revenue-generating entities. He has a commendable ability to enhance operational excellence and unlock value through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. His leadership style and focus on strategic change initiatives are expected to bring considerable benefits to the organization.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics from Dalian University of Technology and an MBA from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, James has fortified his qualifications with executive leadership training from Stanford University. This academic background complements his extensive professional achievements, further making him a strong asset for Ultra Clean.
Ultra Clean Holdings, headquartered in Hayward, California, is renowned for developing and supplying essential parts and ultra-high purity cleaning services. The company focuses on offering integrated outsourced solutions for major subassemblies, ensuring improved design-to-delivery cycle times and high-precision manufacturing. Growingly significant, their services division provides crucial cleaning and analytical services that support the tech-driven semiconductor industry.
As Mr. Xiao prepares to assume his role, stakeholders and industry observers alike are eager to see how his leadership will shape Ultra Clean's future. His entrance into the company marks not just a leadership change but presents an opportunity for meaningful growth and expansion in the competitive landscape of semiconductor manufacturing. With his vast knowledge and experience, the anticipation builds around how he will harness opportunities in the market, further solidifying Ultra Clean's position as a frontrunner in the tech industry. Overall, the future looks promising under the guidance of James Xiao, and it will be exciting to see the innovations that unfold as he takes the helm.