Chih-Hsiang (Thompson) Lin is the CEO of Applied Optoelectronics, a company he founded back in 1997. He has been a key player in the tech world since its early days, showing his dedication by holding multiple roles over the years,...
Chih-Hsiang (Thompson) Lin is the CEO of Applied Optoelectronics, a company he founded back in 1997. He has been a key player in the tech world since its early days, showing his dedication by holding multiple roles over the years, including chairman of the board since 2014. Lin has a solid background in engineering, holding a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston and degrees from prestigious institutions in Taiwan and Missouri. Under his leadership, Applied Optoelectronics has grown significantly, reflecting his ability to adapt and lead in a constantly changing market. Lin’s substantial total compensation of nearly $6 million in 2023 shows he’s not just about ideas; he’s delivering results. He’s also active in the academic community, having roles at the University of Missouri, which shows his commitment to engineering beyond just business. Interestingly, Lin’s personal investments have seen value fluctuations, with peaks in 2020, indicating he stays actively engaged in the financially dynamic environment he operates in.