Chairman, Yageo
Pierre Chen, the founder of the electronics component manufacturer Yageo, saw his fortunes rise during the pandemic, buoyed by an export boom in Taiwan. Established in 1977, Yageo first rode the consumer electronics wave, which was followed by the personal computing wave, then the mobile phone wave—each creating greater demand for its components.
In 2021, Yageo acquired Chilisin Electronics, grouping it along with its other magnetic component subsidiaries under the Pulse Electronics brand. The company also announced that it was also forming a joint venture with Terry Gou’s Hon Hai Technology Group to make semiconductors. Reporting year-end net consolidated sales for 2021 of NT$24.69 billion (about US$849.5 million), and with 15 design and R&D centers and 49 manufacturing sites across 24 countries, the company continues to expand relentlessly.
Chen’s remarkable collection of art has put him on the top 200 list of art collectors in the world, with his two favorite works are by Cy Twombly and Francis Bacon.
Recognitions
Did You Know?
In October 2021, Chen auctioned off a collection of his wines at Sotheby’s. It was estimated to be worth HK$88 million, making it the second-highest estimated single-owner wine sale in Asia.