Sebum (Sam) Cheon
Georgetown,Texas
Summary
A highly operations-focused, solutions-driven professional leader with 29+ years of global experience in manufacturing, operational excellence and large-scale capital investment programs within highly regulated semiconductor environments. Proven leader with 10+ years of leadership and a strong track record of driving corporate-wide improvements in safety, quality, productivity and cost. Expert in building Operational Excellence systems, leading Lean Six Sigma transformations, and integrating digital solutions to enhance decision-making and performance. Recognized for successfully delivering complex global expansion programs (up to $500M+) and developing high-performing teams across regions.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Dir. Operation
Entegris
06.2023 - Current
- Led operations for a new multi-division manufacturing site, one of the biggest plants, overseeing end-to-end operations.
- Developed and deployed operational excellence strategy, aligning with KPIs across safety, quality, yield, and cost management.
- Led transformation of new operations team, aligning processes with corporate standards and improving team readiness and performance.
- Directed operational transformation efforts by collaborating with IT project teams to deliver enterprise-wide digitalization initiatives.
- Built cross-functional global teams in manufacturing and quality, enhancing collaboration and operational effectiveness.
- Lead teams from sample preparation to high volume manufacturing (>4X ramp-up).
- Led a global cross functional team driving one of the company's most critical strategic projects in Korea.
- Established foundations for 5S and Safety culture.
- Built OE governance cadence (Tier structure, KPI dashboards, Skip-level engagement) to strengthen transparency and communications.
- Led sustainability and CSR initiatives aligned with corporate strategy.
- Developed long-term strategies to support sustainable growth and operational direction.
Sr. Global Program Manager
Entegris
02.2018 - 06.2023
- Led the company's largest investment program (> $500M) in Taiwan - Full 2.5 years cycle from design through execution - Completed on time and within budget - 4 manufacturing buildings.
- Managed global Capex and Continuous Improvement programs across U.S., Taiwan, China, Korea, and Canada, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
- Led risk management frameworks and mitigation planning to identify and address potential project challenges.
- Presented operational strategies in post-acquisition integration, aligning processes and systems to enhance organisational cohesion.
- Managed PCN processes for global customers across new and expanded manufacturing sites.
Global Project Manager
Entegris US
10.2015 - 02.2018
- Led international investment projects and manufacturing expansions, enhancing global operational capabilities.
- Developed and qualified new contract manufacturers to ensure alignment with quality and production standards.
- Ensured compliance with global regulatory standards.
- Designed manufacturing floor and material flows to streamline processes and reduce bottlenecks.
Sr. manufacturing engineer
Entegris
01.2012 - 10.2015
- Led Lean Six Sigma (CES/CIP) initiatives to enhance cost efficiency and product quality.
- Drove new product introduction and technology transfer to ensure seamless integration into production.
- Led team to drive customer requests and failure analysis.
- Facilitated quality discussions with customers during quarterly reviews, addressing concerns and aligning on quality standards with major clients like Samsung, Intel, and tsmc.
New Product Development Engineer
Entegris
10.2005 - 12.2011
- Developed new product for batch furnace application and obtained US and EU Patent.
- Executed NPI/NPD programmes to deliver multiple product innovations.
- Applied Six Sigma DFSS methodologies to develop new products and improve product performance.
- Coordinated global suppliers and contract manufacturers to streamline production processes.
Sr. Engineer/Engineering manager
Entegris
09.1999 - 10.2005
- Implemented and maintained advanced semiconductor systems at client sites in Asia, including TSMC, Samsung, and Hynix.
- Led team of 6 field service engineers to execute projects efficiently.
- Coordinated multiple regional engineering teams to improve service performance and efficiency.
- Oversaw key client accounts to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Engineer
Applied Materials
08.1997 - 09.1999
- P-5000 Centtura platform for CVD and ETCH processes.
- Collaborated with customers at sites, including Samsung, Hynix, and DongBu, to ensure effective support and service.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers, enhancing communication and service delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanics & Design Engineering
Kookmin University
Seoul, Korea02-1997
Skills
- Operational excellence
- Lean Six Sigma
- Global Manufacturing & Site Leadership
- Large-Scale Capex & Transformation Programs
- Data Analytics & Digital Manufacturing
- Operational Risk Management
- Quality systems
- Continuous improvement
- Change management
- Cross-functional leadership
- KPI governance
Certification
- Lean Six Sigma (DFSS cert., Brown Belt, Black Belt training completed)
- Project Management Certification - George Washington University
- DOE, Data mining, SPC, MSA (Advanced Six Sigma tools)
- Finance & Accounting - AMA
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Korean
Proficient
C2
Mandarin Chinese
Elementary
A2
Accomplishments
- Valued Contribution Award / Applied Materials
- Employee Excellence Award / ATMI
- ATMI Cup Power Play Winner / ATMI
- Entegris champions-cup quarterly winner
- Entegris Impact Award
Timeline
Dir. Operation
Entegris
06.2023 - Current
Sr. Global Program Manager
Entegris
02.2018 - 06.2023
Global Project Manager
Entegris US
10.2015 - 02.2018
Sr. manufacturing engineer
Entegris
01.2012 - 10.2015
New Product Development Engineer
Entegris
10.2005 - 12.2011
Sr. Engineer/Engineering manager
Entegris
09.1999 - 10.2005
Engineer
Applied Materials
08.1997 - 09.1999
Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanics & Design Engineering
Kookmin University