Contact Information
Name: Tony (Zhong-Ning) Chen
Current Position: CTO (Chief Technology Officer)
Company: Passport
LinkedIn Profile: [Tony Z. Chen on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyzchen)
Professional Background and Experience
Tony (Zhong-Ning) Chen has an extensive career showcasing his technical expertise, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Current Role:
Tony Chen serves as the CTO at Passport since March 2018. Passport is a global commerce company dedicated to simplifying international shipping for direct-to-consumer brands.
Previous Roles:
1. Co-Founder and VP of Engineering at Pantry (2012-2016): Tony co-founded Pantry, an RFID-enabled software and hardware platform for fresh food retail, which was successfully acquired by Byte Foods.
2. Systems Engineer Intern at Intel (2004): Developed an automated test system.
3. Graduate Researcher at the University of Illinois (2005-2006): Focused on improving 802.11 MAC and routing protocols.
4. Systems Engineer Intern at Qualcomm (2006): Worked as an intern.
5. Technical Lead at Ericsson (2007-2012): Coordinated efforts between teams in EMEA and APAC, starting as a junior software engineer.
6. Expert/Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company (2016-2018): Worked as an expert focusing on various high-impact projects.
7. Advisor at Byte Foods (2016-present): Continues to advise Byte Foods post-acquisition.
8. Mentor at Free Ventures (2019-present): Mentoring startups.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
- Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Completed graduate-level coursework in Financial Engineering.
- Berkeley Leadership Accelerator: Studied Organizational Leadership, Marketing & Sales, and Negotiations.
- Certified ScrumMaster: Certification details unspecified.
Notable Achievements
- Pantry Acquisition: Co-founded Pantry, which was successfully acquired by Byte Foods.
- Recognition: Passport ranked among the highest-scoring businesses at the Inc. Best Workplaces in 2024.
- Innovative Leadership: Featured in multiple industry webinars and events emphasizing Passport's innovative solutions in global commerce.
Additional Professional Details
- Co-Founder and Previous Role as VP of Engineering at Pantry: Demonstrated entrepreneurial capabilities by co-founding a successful platform.
- Experience in Engineering and Systems Management: Held significant roles at leading tech firms such as Ericsson and McKinsey & Company, showcasing his adaptability and leadership across multiple sectors.
- Continuous Mentorship and Advisory Roles: Actively involved in mentoring startups and advising companies, reflecting his commitment to contributing to the tech ecosystem.
Personal Qualities and Skills
- Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge in electrical and computer engineering, systems management, and financial engineering.
- Leadership Skills: Proven track record of leading diverse teams, strategic decision-making, and driving innovative projects.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Successfully co-founded and managed a tech startup through to its acquisition.
- Industry Recognition: Consistently recognized for his contributions to the tech and engineering industries.
Recent Activities and Posts
1. June 19, 2024: Celebrated Passport's recognition as a 2024 Inc. Best Workplace.
2. January 18, 2024: Announced hiring for an Enterprise Customer Success Manager at Passport.
3. August 10, 2022: Shared a post about the role of a Software Engineer at Passport Shipping.
Conclusion
Tony (Zhong-Ning) Chen exemplifies a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and an entrepreneurial mindset. As the CTO of Passport, Tony plays a crucial role in driving innovative solutions for global commerce. His extensive background and notable achievements position him as a key influence in the tech industry, continuously fostering growth and development within and beyond his organization.
