Hayward, California – January 28, 2026 – Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: UCTT), a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, has announced significant leadership changes within its operational structure. In a press release dated January 28, the company confirmed that Harjinder Bajwa has departed from the role of Chief Operating Officer, effective January 25, 2026. The company has appointed Robert Wunar as the new Chief Operating Officer, with an official start date set for March 23, 2026.

1. A New Leadership Era

Robert Wunar arrives at Ultra Clean with an impressive background in operations and supply chain management, boasting over 30 years of experience specifically in the semiconductor capital equipment sector. His most recent position was as COO and Managing Director of Business Unit Operations at Applied Materials, Inc., where he was responsible for revenue generation, profitability, and the comprehensive management of supply and demand across various product lines.

Expertise in Operations and Supply Chain

Mr. Wunar’s extensive experience encompasses critical areas such as global manufacturing, cost optimization, cycle-time reduction, and the development of supply-chain resilience. His ability to scale operations to meet the demands of rapid industry growth is expected to be a vital asset for Ultra Clean as the company prepares for the next semiconductor ramp.

James Xiao, CEO of Ultra Clean, expressed confidence in Mr. Wunar’s capabilities, stating, “Robert is a proven operations leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to execute at scale in our industry.” He emphasized that Wunar's commitment to operational excellence, combined with a focus on speed and agility, will be essential in ensuring that Ultra Clean meets customer expectations of quality, responsiveness, and reliability.

2. A Strong Track Record

Throughout his career, Wunar has consistently demonstrated remarkable success in enhancing gross-margin performance, improving on-time delivery metrics, and reducing manufacturing cycle times. His leadership has spanned the entire product lifecycle—from research and development to new product introduction and high-volume manufacturing—while focusing on maintaining high-quality standards and execution discipline.

Wunar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from DeVry Institute of Technology. His career has been marked by building and leading high-performance, cross-functional teams, particularly in complex manufacturing settings.

3. Transitioning Leadership

In light of this leadership change, CEO James Xiao took the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of outgoing COO Harjinder Bajwa. “During his tenure, Harjinder played an important role in strengthening our operational foundation and positioning UCT for the future,” Xiao remarked. He expressed gratitude for Bajwa’s leadership and contributions, wishing him success in his future endeavors.

4. About Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.

Ultra Clean Holdings is recognized as a leading developer and supplier of critical subsystems, components, and ultra-high purity cleaning services, predominantly serving the semiconductor industry. The company operates through two main divisions: Products and Services. The Products division provides integrated outsourced solutions for major subassemblies, enhancing design-to-delivery cycle times and manufacturing precision. Meanwhile, the Services division focuses on tool chamber parts cleaning and micro-contamination analytical services.

Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Hayward, California, and continues to position itself at the forefront of innovation within the semiconductor landscape.

As Ultra Clean prepares for a new chapter under Robert Wunar’s operational leadership, stakeholders are keenly watching how this transition will influence the company’s strategic direction and market performance in the coming months.

Original press release