SHANGHAI – Applied Materials Inc, the global leader in providing equipment, services and software for the manufacture of advanced semiconductor, flat panel display and solar photovoltaic (PV) products, announced that Ruey-Bin Kao was named president of Applied Materials China, effective Dec 5, 2011.

Based in Shanghai, Kao will be responsible for the formulation of sustainable growth strategies and the management of Applied Materials’ regional business units and support functions in China. He will also strive to elevate Applied’s corporate brand in this critical market by enhancing its relationship with the government, customers and other partners in the Chinese energy, display and semiconductor industries.

"Ruey-Bin brings a wealth of industry and technology experience to the team, as well as effective cross-cultural management skills developed in the US and Asia for more than 25 years," said Mike Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials. "I believe he will provide the leadership and vision needed to deliver a strong country strategy for our continued growth and success in China, which is one of our top priority markets."

Kao joins Applied Materials from Hewlett Packard China, where he served as managing director and vice president of Enterprise Business, with responsibility for driving revenue and profitability and identifying growth opportunities. Previously, he served as chairman of the Motorola Asia-Pacific Business Council and chairman of Motorola (China) Electronics Ltd. Additionally, Kao holds directorships in Shenhua Group Corp Ltd, a diversified energy enterprise, and Want-Want China Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong-listed company.

"Applied Materials has been widely recognized as a leader in nano-manufacturing technology, and I am thrilled to join a company that’s literally turning innovations into industries in solar energy, display and semiconductor manufacturing," Kao said. "The Chinese government has laid out ambitious plans to make energy efficiency and renewable energy generation important elements of its overall energy solution. We will continue to work closely with local solar industry partners to significantly grow this market and help reduce the cost of solar energy."

Kao holds a bachelor of science degree in computer science from Tam-Kang University in Taiwan, China; a master of science degree in computer and information science from the University of Delaware and another advanced degree in business administration from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Applied Materials has maintained a strong presence in China since 1984, when the company became the first chip equipment company to open a service and support center in the country. Applied Materials is now one of the leading suppliers of chip and solar PV manufacturing equipment and services in China. Applied Materials Xi’an Solar Technology Center is the worlds’ largest non-government-owned center for solar cell research and development, demonstration and training. The company has more than 800 employees in China and operates 12 sales, service, training and support centers across the country.