Ultra Clean Appoints James Xiao as CEO, Bringing Applied Materials Experience to the Role.

Ultra Clean has appointed James Xiao as its new CEO, effective September 2. Xiao previously led multi-billion-dollar business units at Applied Materials.

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: UCTT) has appointed James Xiao as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2, 2025. Xiao brings over two decades of experience in the semiconductor, solar, and display industries to the critical subsystems and components supplier. He previously held leadership positions at Applied Materials, where he managed multi-billion-dollar business units [1].

Xiao’s appointment comes as the company’s stock has experienced a challenging period, declining over 42% in the past six months. However, Ultra Clean Holdings reported strong second-quarter earnings for 2025, revealing earnings per share of $0.27 and surpassing revenue forecasts by reporting $518.8 million against a projected $500.83 million [2].

The incoming CEO holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics from Dalian University of Technology and an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He has also completed executive leadership training at Stanford University. Xiao is known for driving expansion initiatives and transforming complex global operations into high-performing, revenue-generating businesses [1].

Ultra Clean Holdings develops and supplies critical subsystems, components, parts, and cleaning services primarily for the semiconductor industry. The company operates through two divisions: Products, which offers integrated outsourced solutions for major subassemblies, and Services, which provides tool chamber parts cleaning and coating [2].

The appointment of James Xiao is a strategic move aimed at improving the company’s performance as analysts project a return to profitability this year. Investors can access additional ProTips and detailed analysis through InvestingPro for deeper insights into UCTT’s financial health and growth prospects [1].

References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/ultra-clean-holdings-names-james-xiao-as-new-ceo-93CH-4175072
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ultra-clean-names-james-xiao-as-chief-executive-officer-302523791.html