Semih Kang

Senior Technology and Program Management Leader | Cross-Industry Innovation Driver | Agile Process Champion | Expert in Smart Hardware & Cloud Services

United States

About

With over 20 years of experience leading technology and program management across smart hardware (including smart contact lenses and automotive digital cockpits), cloud computing, big data, AI, and IoT, I have had the privilege of working at industry-leading companies like Mojo Vision, NIO, Amazon, and Microsoft. I’ve led cross-functional teams to deliver complex products end-to-end, driving agile development and fostering a culture of innovation that tightly integrates technology with business strategy. I’m results-oriented and passionate about building efficient teams and processes that turn cutting-edge technology into real-world success. What excites me most is tackling tough challenges and continuously learning — I believe technology has the power to profoundly improve people’s lives, and I’m dedicated to making that happen every day.

Experience

  • Head of Technical Program Delivery at Mojo Vision
    Apr 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 3 mos

    Led cross-functional software and engineering initiatives to deliver next-gen smart contact lens technology. Partnered with executive leadership to define agile processes, oversee program roadmaps, and manage release planning cycles.

  • NIO (11 yrs)
    • Chief of Staff
      Jul 2014 - Dec 2020 · 6 yrs 6 mos

      As Chief of Staff to NIO’s US Managing Director and Global CIO, I collaborated with the VP of Business Development on EV technology, autonomous driving, and battery system initiatives. Aligning cross-functional teams, I drove company-wide objectives. This role blended my technical and strategic expertise, shaping NIO’s vision during a transformative period.

    • Senior Director Program Management
      Jan 2010 - Jun 2014 · 4 yrs 6 mos

      Leading NIO’s Digital Cockpit group, I managed a 100+ engineer team to deliver software, hardware, and vehicle integration for EV launches. I defined features, oversaw supply chain and homologation, and set PM best practices. Our Digital Cockpit won the AutomotiveNews PACE award, a career highlight reflecting our focus on innovation.

  • Principal Technical Program Manager at Amazon Lab126
    Jul 2007 - Dec 2009 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    At Amazon Lab126, I led release management for the first-generation Echo-Dot and Amazon Tap, overseeing hardware and software milestones. I enhanced Alexa’s cloud-based speech recognition, expanding customer scenarios. Managing schedules and risks with VPs, I learned to balance innovation and execution, preparing me for the EV industry.

  • Microsoft (8 yrs 6 mos)
    • Lead Program Manager, Office Business Division
      Jan 2004 - Jun 2007 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      In Beijing for part of this role, I shaped Office 365’s admin experiences and UI/UX for enterprise and cloud deployments. Leading PMs, I drove agile adoption and delivered scalable infrastructure. Presenting to VPs taught me to align technology with business strategy, a skill I leaned on in later leadership roles.

    • Development Manager, Enterprise Business Unit IT
      Jul 2001 - Dec 2003 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Promoted to manage Microsoft’s global CRM (Siebel-based) and Enterprise Reporting Systems, I led a major shift to web-based architecture. Building teams across the US, India, and Ireland, I owned system designs and processes. This experience honed my leadership and system design skills, critical for my cloud-focused roles.

    • Consultant
      Jan 1999 - Jun 2001 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      After earning my MS at UW, I started at Microsoft as a consultant, leading BI and data warehousing projects for diverse clients. Using SQL Server, I built scalable solutions, learning to bridge client needs with technical execution. This role shaped my approach to enterprise systems, paving the way for my later architecture work.