This award recognizes individuals, who through leadership and vision in an executive role in industry, have made substantial contributions to the success of their organization and in turn have significantly expanded the frontiers of the ceramics industry.
The Medal for Leadership in the Advancement of Ceramic Technology recognizes individuals, who through leadership and vision in an executive role, have made substantial contributions to the success of their organization and in turn have significantly expanded the frontiers of the ceramics industry. Up to two medals will be presented each year, one from the Americas, the other from outside the Americas.
Recipients of this award typically hold senior executive positions such as CEO, CTO, President or Vice President (or their equivalent ). Membership in the American Ceramic Society is not required.
The award includes a certificate and a medal. It is a condition of acceptance of the award that the recipient be present at the ACerS Annual Meeting Awards Banquet for proper recognition.
Nomination Process
Candidates may be nominated by any member of The American Ceramic Society. The lead nominator must sign the nomination form and submit a letter of nomination no longer than one page.
In addition:
- Statements from a minimum of three associates familiar with the candidate’s accomplishments should be included in the nomination package. More than three associate statements may be submitted if desired. The associates do not need to be members of The American Ceramic Society. Only the lead nominator must be an ACerS member. Supporting statements from associates cannot exceed 500 words.
- Supporting information about the nominee may be submitted (CV, publication list, etc.). There is no length limitation on supporting information.
- Nominations are eligible for a total of five years. Updated information can be submitted each year.
- No candidate will be selected for this award posthumously.
- In considering nominees for this award, the committee will consider potential duplication of recognition for accomplishments that have been recognized in a prior ACerS award conferred upon the nominee. Typically, nominees will not be recognized with multiple awards for the same accomplishments.
Contact
Erica Zimmerman
ezimmerman@ceramics.org
Award Winners
Seon kyu Jeon
Seon kyu Jeon is founding chairman of MiCo Group, a technology company built around advanced ceramic materials and semiconductor components. He studied business administration at Seoul National University, where he developed the entrepreneurial ambition that would later shape his career. In 1996, he launched MiCo from a modest university office as a semiconductor component manufacturer. He steadily restructured and expanded the company into a diversified group operating in semiconductors, energy, and environmental technologies.
Over nearly three decades, he positioned MiCo as the parent of a cluster of specialized affiliates, including KoMiCo for semiconductor equipment part cleaning and coating, MiCo Ceramics for high performance heaters and electrostatic chucks, and MiCo Hightech for vacuum and high temperature ceramic equipment. He also championed MiCo Power and related initiatives in solid oxide fuel cells, waste to energy systems, and carbon capture, reflecting a strategic shift toward eco-friendly and net zero solutions.
These technologies have achieved broad adoption by leading global semiconductor manufacturers, generating substantial and sustained commercial success. In the first half of 2025 alone, MiCo Group reported consolidated revenues of KRW 265.7 billion, with strong double-digit growth driven primarily by advanced ceramic products and semiconductor equipment-related technologies. This commercial performance underscores the real-world impact of Mr. Jeon’s work—demonstrating how advanced ceramic science, when combined with disciplined engineering and scalable, production-ready manufacturing capabilities, can create globally competitive, high-margin industrial solutions.
Mr. Jeon has also demonstrated exemplary commitment to social responsibility and ESG principles. He has consistently emphasized sustainable growth, environmental stewardship, and ethical corporate governance as core elements of industrial leadership. In parallel, he has actively supported talent development through partnerships with universities and research institutes, scholarships for students, and long-term programs to nurture engineers and scientists who will shape the future of advanced ceramics.