Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Hal Nelson is Executive Vice President and Corning’s Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Nelson is responsible for leading Corning’s Market-Access Platforms (MAPs) to meet operating objectives and deliver financial and operational performance targets. In addition, Nelson leads Corning’s international regions as well as the Global Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Safety functions. Under his leadership of Operations, Corning is focused on meeting customers’ needs, maximizing market opportunities, and enhancing collaboration and integration throughout the company.
Nelson joined Corning in 1991 at the Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Display Glass plant as a Shift Supervisor and moved through manufacturing, engineering, and general management roles in the Display business. In 2007, Nelson joined Corning Environmental Technologies (CET) as General Manager, Corning (Shanghai) Company Limited, located in Shanghai, China, where he helped expand the commercial footprint to serve the emerging domestic Chinese auto market. Following progressive roles in the Asia Pacific region and returning to the U.S., Nelson was appointed Vice President and General Manager for Environmental Technologies in 2014, where he oversaw a period of significant growth and product innovation, including the development and launch of the industry’s first gasoline particulate filters. In 2018, he was named Senior Vice President and General Manager, CET, where he continued to lead the division in executing its business plan to create value for Corning’s customers and deliver profitable growth with “More Corning.”
In 2020, Nelson was appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager, Automotive. This expanded role included leadership of the Automotive Market-Access Platform, consisting of Corning Environmental Technologies (CET) and Automotive Glass Solutions (AGS), as well as responsibility for pursuing new opportunities in automotive-related markets. Prior to his appointment as COO, Nelson had expanded responsibilities beyond Automotive, including the Life Sciences and Solar businesses and pursuing growth opportunities in these markets. Additionally, Nelson serves on the board of directors for Hemlock Semiconductor.
Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering from Clemson University and a Master of Business Administration from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, graduating with honors as a Tuck Scholar.
