On November 30, local time in Fildehoven, the Netherlands, the ASML Supervisory Board announced that it plans to appoint Chrisrophe Fouquet as president and CEO. The appointment will officially take effect after approval at the annual shareholders' meeting on April 24, 2024. By then, current ASML co-presidents Peter Wennink and Martin van den Brink will retire after completing their current terms. At the media dialogue after the appointment was announced, Fouquet said that 2024 will be a transition year from the bottom of the semiconductor adjustment cycle to higher.
At the media dialogue meeting, Fukai expressed its outlook for ASML business in 2024. He believes that 2024 will still be a year of uncertainty. On the one hand, there are still many overall challenges in the market; on the other hand, Fukai also sees improvements in the market and some positive signs in terms of inventory. Therefore, Fukai believes that 2024 will be a transition year from the bottom of the semiconductor adjustment cycle to higher.
Based on this judgment, Fouquet said that ASML will make two adjustments in 2024. The first is to equip more production capacity to cope with future market demand; the second is to launch more advanced EUV technology. He said that semiconductors are expected to resume their previous growth trend in 2025.
Regarding the impact that the new appointment will have on ASML's business, ASML responded to a reporter from China Electronics News: As a member of the management committee, Fukai has been closely involved in the company's important decisions and development plans. ASML's strategy and development have always been very clear. The appointments announced this time need to be approved at the annual general meeting of shareholders in April next year. Until then, members of the Management Board will continue to work as usual and perform their respective responsibilities.
Regarding the latest progress of the much-anticipated new generation HighNAEUV lithography machine (high numerical aperture EUV lithography machine), Fukai said that it is expected to deliver the first HighNAEUV lithography machine to customers within this year. The machine is currently being packaged and some of its parts have been shipped.
Regarding ASML's future trade relationship with China, Wennink has publicly expressed his opposition to the export controls implemented by the United States. He said: "ASML has long been committed to defending the company's technology and maintaining its leading position, thanks in part to revenue from markets such as China and reinvesting. The export controls implemented by the United States will be counterproductive." According to ASML's latest quarterly financial report released on October 18, the Chinese market accounted for 46% of ASML's total sales in the quarter and was its largest sales market.
Guests at the media dialogue expressed doubts about whether the new president’s China policy will continue the style of his predecessor. In this regard, Fukai said that the Chinese market is very vast, and the ASML business has gained huge revenue from the Chinese market in the past few years. At the same time, he believes that from a trade perspective, it is very difficult to decouple different regions, especially since this industry requires a high degree of collaboration.
When asked whether ASML’s business in China will change after the change of leadership, ASML mentioned in its response to a reporter from China Electronics News: While strictly complying with the laws and regulations of applicable jurisdictions, we are committed to providing services and support to customers around the world.
It is understood that Fukai joined ASML in 2008 and has held various positions including marketing and product management, executive vice president of applications, and executive vice president of EUV. Before joining ASML, he worked at two other semiconductor equipment companies, Kelei and Applied Materials.
In addition to the above appointments, the Supervisory Board also plans to appoint Jim Koonmen as Chief Customer Officer, a newly created position on the ASML Management Board. Like the appointment of the CEO, this decision is subject to approval at the annual shareholders' meeting on April 24, 2024.