Dr. Min Kao is the co-founder and former CEO of Garmin Ltd, a leading company in GPS technology. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley, he brought deep technical knowledge to the company. Dr. Kao led Garmin from...

Dr. Min Kao is the co-founder and former CEO of Garmin Ltd, a leading company in GPS technology. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley, he brought deep technical knowledge to the company. Dr. Kao led Garmin from its early days in 2000 until early 2013, helping it grow into a major player in the navigation market. He is known for being a substantial shareholder in the company, which influenced his compensation choices over the years. Instead of pursuing high stock awards, he opted for a modest salary of around $500,000 in his later years, reflecting his commitment to long-term value for shareholders. His role in the expansion of Garmin into diverse markets, including aviation and marine, showcases his vision and leadership. Interestingly, between 2019 and 2021, the value of his holdings saw significant fluctuations, reaching as high as $3.15 billion, highlighting the company's changing fortunes in the marketplace. Ultimately, Dr. Kao’s career tells a story of innovation, financial strategy, and the balancing act of rewarding oneself while prioritizing company performance and stakeholder interests.