Can you tell us about your journey to your current position? How have your experiences shaped your leadership style?

I joined Corning in 1995 and have built my career across global engineering, manufacturing, and operations roles in the U.S. and Asia. I went on to lead large-scale manufacturing and supply chain organizations across the region, supporting the growth of Corning’s Display business. In 2022, I took on the role of International Vice President and General Manager of Corning Precision Materials and relocated to Korea. In 2023, I took on my current role as President of Corning Korea, overseeing Corning Precision Materials and the Korea region, with a focus on driving strategic growth and operational excellence.

Having spent much of my early career working across Asia, I’ve learned that successful collaboration is rooted in long term commitment, mutual trust, and deep respect for local perspectives. My 30-plus-year journey with Corning – including leadership roles in Japan, Taiwan, and Korea – reflects Corning’s broader mindset shaped over 175 years: anticipating challenges and creating solutions with partners worldwide.

Working across multiple countries, businesses, and industry sectors has also taught me the importance of agility and adaptability. Markets evolve quickly, especially in the technology sector, and leaders need to balance long-term strategic thinking with the flexibility to respond to rapidly changing conditions.

Corning recently celebrated its 175th anniversary. What do you think has enabled Corning to maintain its leadership position across multiple generations and transitions in technology, and what lessons are most relevant today?

Corning invests in a small set of core technologies, scale them through proprietary manufacturing platforms, and apply them across multiple industries. That allows us to serve our customers and anticipate major shifts – whether it’s broadband, mobility, or AI – and position ourselves as a foundational partner before those markets fully emerge. That combination of long-cycle innovation and portfolio diversification is what has allowed Corning to remain competitive across existing and emerging markets for 175 years.

Referring to Corning’s innovation timeline including light bulb for Edison in 1879, internet enabled by optical fiber in 1970, emission control for auto in 1972, LCD glass in 1982, foldable glass in 2012 and automotive glass in 2015. Our work reflects decades of R&D and long-term investment in glass and materials science, as well as critical technology platforms.

Close collaboration with customers has also been a key differentiator. Corning works alongside partners ensuring that its technologies are aligned with helping our customers solve their toughest challenges.

Corning’s diversified portfolio across industries, from display and optical communications to automotive and life sciences, has enabled the company to remain resilient through technology cycles while strengthening customer relationships and market position, enabling its More Corning strategy to capture growth by driving more Corning content in customers’ products, expanding Corning’s total addressable market and reducing its sensitivity to economic cycles as a result.

As you can imagine, as a 175-year-old company, we believe a healthy innovation ecosystem depends on strong intellectual property protection and long-term trust. IP protection is essential not only to safeguarding invention, but also to enabling healthy local industries, deeper collaboration, and sustainable customer success. With a global patent portfolio spanning more than 30 countries and decades of experience in technology commercialization and compliance, Corning helps provide customers and partners in Korea and across Asia with greater confidence in innovation, clearer pathways for collaboration, and stronger support as they compete in high standard global markets.

Corning’s 175th anniversary is a milestone that reflects our long-standing commitment to innovation. Only 10.6% of the original 1957 S&P 500 constituents are still in the index today. Only 53 of the original 1957 S&P 500 constituents are still in the index today – that’s a 90% extinction rate (GLW is one of the 53). More than half of the 2003 constituents are gone (GLW is one of the survivors). The average tenure in S&P 500 has dropped from ~60 years to under 20 years.

For 175 years, Corning has been driven by discovery. Our innovations have reshaped industries and improved lives worldwide. Today, Corning’s technologies are everywhere – enabling how people work, learn, and live. And as we look ahead, what’s next for Corning is not just a product or a technology, but a mindset rooted in possibility, progress, and the belief that tomorrow can always be better than today.

Corning has traditionally been associated with display glass and specialty materials but is becoming increasingly relevant to AI infrastructure. How do you see Corning’s role evolving in the AI era?

Corning has long been known for display glass and specialty materials, but AI is bringing new visibility to the broader role we play in enabling the major technology shift reshaping industries. AI is fundamentally increasing the need to move more data, faster and more efficiently, and that’s where Corning’s innovations come in. From optical fiber and connectivity solutions that enable high-speed networks, to co-packaged optics that bring light directly to the chip, to advanced glass substrates used in semiconductor packaging and manufacturing, we’re helping enable every layer of the AI infrastructure stack. In many ways, our role is to provide the physical backbone, from the network all the way to the chip, that makes next-generation AI systems possible.

In Korea, we will continue to strengthen this role by working closely with leading customers, delivering the products and technologies they need, and leveraging Korea R&D capabilities and the manufacturing strengths to support their innovation and growth.

Korea has been described not just as a manufacturing base, but as part of the global innovation ecosystem for Corning. How is Korea contributing to Corning’s R&D and long-term technology strategy?

Corning’s success is grounded in our investment in research, development, and engineering (RD&E) capabilities. Invention is at the center of everything we do, and to maintain our leadership in science and technology, we actively foster and support new ideas. Corning invests an average of 6-7% of annual sales – approximately $1 billion each year – into RD&E, nearly twice the level of many industry peers. This sustained commitment ensures that we’re always ready to help our customers solve their toughest challenges.

Corning Technology Center Korea (CTCK), located next to Corning Precision Materials in Asan, is a key contributor within Corning’s global R&D network and Corning’s largest R&D lab in Asia. Leveraging core competencies in coatings and deposition, advanced material processing, modeling and simulation, device solutions, characterization and reliability, CTCK researches and develops a broad range of products and process technologies. These capabilities support innovation across multiple application areas, including display, mobile, automotive, and semiconductor packaging, and help enable Corning to address both current and future regional market opportunities.

CTCK leverages its core competencies to support Korean customers that serve global markets. For example, in mobile consumer electronics, CTCK works closely with Korea based customers to advance glass solutions for next generation mobile devices, including durable optically enhanced coating solutions. Additionally, in semiconductor packaging, CTCK applies its material processing expertise to deliver advanced substrates solutions to Korean customers enabling high-performance packaging. These innovations reflect CTCK’s strong collaboration with Korean customers and its role in supporting Korea’s industrial and technology ecosystem.

What motivated Corning to enter the Korean architecture market with Corning® Enlighten™ Glass, and are there plans to increase awareness of Enlighten Glass among Korean customers?

As one of the largest glass markets in the world, the architectural glass space was a natural fit for Corning, and we believe innovation in the windows industry is an important issue to work on. Nearly 25% of global energy production is used to heat and cool buildings. While windows represent around 10% of the total surface areas for buildings, they represent nearly half of a home or business’ heat loss.

Corning has been working on a suite of solutions to improve thermal performance within the fenestration industry. When designed into a TGU (Triple Glazing Unit), Corning® Enlighten™ Glass has a strong value prop to offer window makers, IGU (Insulated Glazing Unit) makers, construction companies and consumers in the Korean market including: up to 30% lighter versus a standard TGU; improved thermal performance by up to 10% compared to a standard TGU; and reduced carbon footprint by up to 58% compared to 5mm soda lime glass.

In Korea, we work closely with a diverse set of collaborators, including window manufacturers such as KCC, major construction companies including Samsung C&T’s Construction Division, and architectural design firms. In particular, Corning Enlighten Glass is used as the center pane in the insulating glass products incorporated into KCC Klenze window systems.

Corning® Enlighten™ Glass is experiencing growth in Korea, driven by its innovative applications across premium residential development such as “ONE.R Cheongdam,” commercial buildings like “Ramada Ulleung,” and government institutions like “Live Together” public housing project in Buyeo.

The main priorities for 2026 are expanding application cases and strengthening collaborations within the Korean architecture industry. We plan to extend the use of Corning® Enlighten™ Glass to public buildings, commercial facilities, and other settings beyond current installations, verifying performance across a wider range of environments. Corning aims to work closely with major window manufacturers, construction companies, and architectural design firms to contribute to the continued development of the architectural glass market.

Corning has maintained long-standing partnerships in Korea. Can you tell us about how these partnerships have remained durable and relevant through multiple technology transitions? What new opportunities do you see emerging for collaboration?

Corning has built long-standing partnerships in Korea based on a shared commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of our customers’ evolving needs. Over the years, we have worked closely with leading companies across industries, collaborating to solve some of their toughest technological challenges and enabling multiple generations of innovation. 

Across different technology transitions across different technology transitions, our approach has remained consistent: partnering deeply with customers to co-develop and find solutions that help bring their next-generation products to market. This close collaboration has been key to ensuring that our partnerships remain both durable and relevant over time.

Looking ahead, we see exciting new opportunities for collaboration driven by emerging technologies. Areas such as glass substrates for advanced semiconductor packaging, automotive interior glass solutions, and architectural glass are opening new avenues for innovation. These opportunities align closely with evolving industry demands and require continued close collaboration with customers to address increasingly complex technical requirements. 

At Corning, we remain committed to working alongside our customers in Korea – leveraging our advanced materials expertise, R&D capabilities, and manufacturing strengths – to help solve their toughest challenges and support their long-term growth.

Korea is widely recognized for its strong talent pool in technology and engineering. As industries become increasingly driven by AI, advanced manufacturing, and deep technology, what qualities or mindset do you believe will matter most for the next generation of Korean talent?

Korea has long been recognized for its strong talent in technology and engineering, and Corning’s more than 50 years of success here in Korea is a testament to the dedication of our employees – who have continually advanced our innovations and translated them into world class manufacturing. 

Looking ahead, technical excellence alone will not be enough. What will matter most is a combination of strong fundamentals, adaptability, and a mindset of continuous learning. As AI, advanced manufacturing, and deep technologies reshape industries, future talent must be able to connect technology, data, and business needs – and be comfortable working across disciplines.

At Corning, we already see how digital technologies and AI are strengthening manufacturing capabilities. That is why we value individuals who are not only technically strong, but also curious, collaborative, and eager to grow. We are also encouraged by the strong young talent we continue to see in Korea, including recently hired graduates who bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and strong potential. As a company, our role is to create an environment where this next generation of talent can continue to develop – by providing opportunities to learn, contribute, and build capabilities for the future. 

Ultimately, I believe the most important quality for the next generation will be a growth mindset – the ability to stay grounded in strong capabilities while remaining open, agile, and ready to evolve.

What are some characteristics that distinguish Korea’s business and innovation environment from others in the region? What improvements would further enhance Korea’s competitiveness as a destination as a regional HQ hub?

Korea stands out for its strong industrial base, highly skilled talent, advanced infrastructure, and a business environment that moves with remarkable speed and discipline. For companies like Corning, these strengths make Korea not only an important market, but also a highly valuable partner in innovation and manufacturing. 

I would also like to express our sincere appreciation for the Korean government’s continued investment and support in creating an environment that encourages advanced industry, technology development, and global business engagement. That commitment has played an important role in strengthening Korea’s position as a competitive and attractive place for international companies.

Corning’s experience in Korea reflects those strengths very clearly. Corning Precision Materials in Asan is one of Corning’s largest manufacturing facilities in the world and is quickly becoming a technological hub for several market access platforms. What is especially distinctive in Korea is the close connection between manufacturing, innovation, and customer collaboration. We work very closely with our Korean customers, and that partnership helps drive both speed and continuous innovation. 

Today, Corning employs approximately 3,000 people in Korea. Corning’s ability to sustain its business in the Korean market for over five decades has been driven by strong strategic partnerships with customers, a highly skilled local workforce, and the Korean government’s long-term vision and support for advanced manufacturing and materials innovation. Together, these factors have created an environment that is highly attractive for long-term investment and growth.

On a personal note, what has been most meaningful to you during your time leading Corning’s operations in Korea?

One of the most meaningful aspects of my time here has been the opportunity to work with our colleagues in Korea. I have been consistently impressed not only by their talent and professionalism, but also by their strong sense of dedication and pride in their work. What stands out most is their eagerness to take on new challenges and actively drive new initiatives forward. Seeing this level of energy and commitment has been deeply inspiring to me as a leader, strengthening my own sense of responsibility to guide our vision forward. Ultimately, leadership is about people – and it has been especially rewarding to work alongside teams in Korea who bring resilience, collaboration, and innovation every day. 

Another is seeing the growing awareness of and interest in Corning here in Korea. In the second half of last year, we conducted new graduate hiring for the first time in three years, and I was truly encouraged by the number of highly talented candidates who applied. The rise of the Gen AI era has also created a positive environment, bringing renewed attention to Corning’s technologies. At the same time, I believe this also reflects the efforts we have made over the past several years to raise Corning’s profile both internally and externally, as well as the strong business growth we have achieved here. I feel very grateful for that momentum, and it continues to energize and motivate me in my role.

Finally, one of the most meaningful aspects of leading Corning’s operations in Korea has been driving the evolution toward smart operations across the organization. By introducing automation and digital solutions across our manufacturing processes, we have been able to improve efficiency and enable our teams to work in a more effective and focused way. It has been particularly rewarding to see how this shift allows our employees to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time on problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement. Ultimately, what makes this journey meaningful is not just the technology itself, but the impact it has had on our people – creating a safer, more efficient work environment and empowering our teams to make better, faster decisions. Seeing this transformation across the organization has been both exciting and deeply fulfilling.

Read the full article in the 3Q AMCHAM Journal.