Notable Roles | - Founder & Former Chairman, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. (Foxconn) |
Key Recognition | - Founder of the World's Largest Electronics Manufacturer |
Background and Early Foundations
Terry Gou was born on October 18, 1950, in Banqiao, Taipei County, Taiwan, to parents who had fled mainland China in 1949. After completing his education at Taipei College of Maritime Technology, Gou worked in various industries, including a rubber and medicine plant and an overseas shipping business, to gain experience and save capital. In 1974, with a $7,500 loan from his mother, he founded Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd., known globally as Foxconn, initially manufacturing plastic parts for television sets. Gou’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision laid the foundation for Foxconn’s evolution into a global electronics manufacturing powerhouse.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
1988 | Opened first manufacturing plant in Shenzhen, China, marking the beginning of Foxconn's global expansion. |
2001 | Secured contract with Intel to manufacture Intel-branded motherboards. |
2007 | Began manufacturing Apple's iPhone, solidifying Foxconn's position in the global supply chain. |
2016 | Acquired Sharp Corporation, expanding into the display technology sector. |
2019 | Stepped down as Foxconn's chairman to pursue a political career. |
2023 | Announced independent candidacy for Taiwan's 2024 presidential election. |
- Founded Foxconn: 1974
- Foxconn’s Global Workforce: Over 1 million employees
- Market Share: Manufactures approximately 40% of the world’s consumer electronics
- Net Worth (2025): Estimated at $11 billion USD
- Major Clients: Apple, Sony, Microsoft, Dell, Amazon
Leadership Style and Influence
Terry Gou is known for his hands-on leadership style and relentless pursuit of efficiency and innovation. His strategic decisions, such as relocating manufacturing to mainland China and investing in automation, have significantly influenced global manufacturing practices. Gou’s ability to foresee industry trends and adapt accordingly has made Foxconn an integral part of the global electronics supply chain.
Legacy and Future Focus
Gou’s legacy is marked by his transformation of Foxconn into the world’s largest electronics manufacturer, playing a pivotal role in the proliferation of consumer electronics worldwide. His ventures into politics reflect his desire to apply his business acumen to national governance. Although he withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, Gou continues to influence Taiwan’s economic and political discourse.
