tsmc's wei-jen lo retires with a fortune after decades of service
Taipei, Monday, 28 July 2025.
wei-jen lo, a senior vice president at tsmc, retired on july 27 after 21 years. during his tenure, lo oversaw advancements resulting in over 1,500 patents. before joining tsmc in 2004, lo held a position at intel. upon retirement, lo’s tsmc stock holdings were valued at over nt$1.5 billion. his departure marks a significant transition within tsmc’s leadership.
lo’s contributions to tsmc
During his time with TSMC, Lo held crucial positions, including Vice President of Operations Organization II and Vice President of R&D [3][4]. He later became Vice President of Advanced Technology Business and Manufacturing Technology [3][4]. TSMC recognized Lo’s dedication to providing comprehensive solutions to clients [1][2]. Lo also led teams to overcome technological obstacles, securing over 1,500 patents worldwide [1][2]. Approximately 1,000 of these patents are in the United States [1][2]. These innovations significantly contributed to TSMC’s advancements in technology [1][2].
stock market reaction
TSMC’s stock closed at NT$1145 on july 28, remaining unchanged from the previous day [1][3]. Earlier in the day, the stock reached a high of NT$1160 before retracting [3]. The Taiwan Stock Exchange index closed at 23,412.98, a gain of 48.6 points, with a total trading value of NT$312.841 billion [3]. The market’s reaction to Lo’s retirement appears muted, but analysts remain watchful [alert! ‘the announcement is very recent, and the long-term impact remains to be seen’].
leadership transitions and market impact
Lo’s departure follows the recent announcement of Executive Vice President Kevin Zhang’s retirement [3]. On july 26, TSMC’s shares decreased by 1.2%, closing at $140.50 [3]. Analysts suggest this dip reflects market concerns regarding leadership transitions [3]. One analyst noted that the market is reacting cautiously to the news, given Zhang’s significant contributions [3]. Rick Cassidy, another Senior Vice President, is scheduled to retire in january 2026, indicating further organizational changes ahead [4].
wei-jen lo’s background
Before his tenure at TSMC, Lo worked at Intel as Director of Advanced Technology Development and CTM Plant Manager [1][2]. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Solid State Physics and Surface Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley [1][2]. Lo’s early career involved positions at Motorola’s R&D lab and Xerox’s Microelectronics Center, along with a professorship at an American university [1][2]. Lo is also known for his strict leadership style [1].