ACM Research, Inc. filed a Form 8-K on November 3, 2026, disclosing that Yue Ma commenced employment as Chief Operations Officer effective October 1, 2026, and detailing his compensation arrangements.

Key Highlights

  • New COO appointment: Yue Ma, age 53, joined ACM Research as Chief Operations Officer effective October 1, 2026.
  • Prior experience: Mr. Ma previously served at ASML Holding N.V. as Senior Principal Architect from 2014 to 2023 and Technical Expert from 2024 to 2026.
  • Base salary: Mr. Ma will receive an annual base salary of $375,000, according to the filing.
  • Equity grants: On October 1, 2026, Mr. Ma received a stock option to purchase 100,000 shares at an exercise price of $83.58 per share, plus 13,470 restricted stock units.
  • Sign-on and relocation: The company agreed to provide a one-time sign-on bonus of $50,000 and relocation benefits at a total company cost of up to $150,000, including applicable tax gross-ups.
  • Target annual bonus: Mr. Ma is eligible for a target annual bonus opportunity of $100,000, based on individual and company performance objectives.

Yue Ma's Compensation Terms and Background at ACM Research

According to the Form 8-K filed by ACM Research, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACMR) on November 3, 2026, Yue Ma began serving as the company's Chief Operations Officer on October 1, 2026. Mr. Ma holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctorate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The filing states there are no family relationships between Mr. Ma and any director or executive officer of the company, and no arrangements with other persons pursuant to which he was appointed.

The filing discloses that the company and Mr. Ma entered into an offer letter dated May 8, 2026, as amended by an addendum dated August 24, 2026. Under those terms, his stock option vests as to 25% of the shares on October 1, 2027, with the remaining balance vesting in 36 successive equal monthly installments thereafter, subject to continued service. The 13,470 restricted stock units vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date, also subject to continued service. Both awards were granted under the company's 2016 Omnibus Incentive Plan and are subject to approval by the company's Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee, the filing notes.

The filing further discloses repayment obligations tied to the sign-on bonus and relocation benefits. If Mr. Ma voluntarily resigns or is terminated for cause within the first 12 months, he must repay 100% of the $50,000 sign-on bonus and company-paid relocation benefits, including associated tax gross-ups. If termination occurs after 12 months but before 24 months, the repayment obligation is 50%. No repayment applies after 24 months of employment. The filing states that Mr. Ma's employment is at will and that he is subject to confidentiality, invention-assignment obligations, and certain restrictive covenants.

What Was Disclosed

ACM Research disclosed the appointment of Yue Ma as Chief Operations Officer, his start date of October 1, 2026, his compensation package including salary, bonus eligibility, equity grants, sign-on bonus, and relocation benefits, as well as his professional background and the terms of his offer letter.