It might be said that Chenyi Chiu reached the pinnacle of success the moment he committed himself to embracing a servant mindset. It wasn’t an executive title, notoriety or financial wealth, but rather the riches reaped when putting the needs of others before his own that enabled Chiu to become the best version of himself.
While all of the honors, privileges and accolades associated with becoming the CEO of a major corporation have marked his professional career, it was the experience of serving as president of the Rotary Club in Cambodia that transformed Chiu as a person. Teaming up with fellow Rotarians, leaders and volunteers has enabled him to support initiatives in education, healthcare and community development. It gave him a clear perspective of the tangible impact a servant mindset can have in transforming people and communities.
Rotary’s “service above self” motto has long resonated with him. “The experience has been both humbling and inspiring,” said Chiu, a 2026 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “It has strengthened my commitment to giving back and making a positive difference beyond the workplace. I’ve become less focused on personal achievement and more driven by the belief that true success comes from serving others.”
The holder of a B.S. in computer science and dual master’s degrees in business administration and engineering from San Jose State University, Chiu currently serves as the CEO of Katun Corp., long known for its parts and supplies business before adding MFPs to its catalog in 2024. After graduating, he worked at Panasonic North America, a valuable training ground for insight into R&D, technical marketing and business management. Additionally, the lessons he learned from working for a Japanese company, including discipline and collaboration, are incorporated into how Chiu works today.
His 2025 elevation to CEO has undoubtedly been a defining moment in Chiu’s career, as Katun is the largest and most globally diverse team he’s ever managed. Having a bird’s eye view of how the company’s talented personnel have come together for a shared purpose has been invigorating and rewarding.
“I was thrilled to come on board, contribute my broader global perspective, and learn from Katun’s deep industry expertise and talented team,” Chiu said. “It felt like a natural fit, an opportunity to combine my experience with Katun’s strengths and build on the company’s decades of success. In many ways, it felt like a path I was meant to take.”
Embracing Challenges
One of his greatest sources of inspiration is Jack Wang, honorable chairman of General Plastic Industrial, which acquired Katun in 2018. Wang, who is also Chiu’s father-in-law, has served as an impactful model for leadership, relationship-building and a kind nature in treating people with sincerity and integrity. He also doesn’t hesitate to challenge Chiu with opportunities.
“His trust and confidence in me pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, take on new challenges, and consistently achieve more than I thought possible,” Chiu added.
As he completes his first full year as CEO of Katun, Chiu hopes to leverage his collaboration with team members to maximize his performance for the company, clients and employees. “That desire to keep learning and improving is what drives me every day.”
As experience has shown him, success is rarely the result of one thing. “It comes from a combination of good fortune, talent, being a strong team player, and never giving up when things get difficult,” Chiu said. “If I could give my younger self advice, it would be to stay persistent, value the people around you, and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.”
The high school version of me wanted to be a: Rock star! One of the simple things that brings me joy is picking up my guitar and singing a song, even in the middle of the night. It’s a small escape that helps me unwind, relax, and enjoy a moment of creativity away from the demands of the day.
Interesting fact about you: My self-deprecating humor
Celebrities you have met: Mayday (The most popular rock band in Taiwan)
Favorite book or movie: The Truman Show
Favorite food: Prime rib
Person you’d most like to meet: Paul Harris (founder of Rotary International)
Dream vacation destination: Space travel
Any special talents: Cooking like Iron Chef
Guilty pleasure: Enjoying world-famous hot springs
Most prized possession: Spending quality time with my wife and kids
