May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we will be spotlighting executives that have made their mark in their respective industries. AAPI heritage runs deep in American business with leadership roles in some of the largest American companies. In addition to retail and restaurant, AAPI leaders also have prominent roles in the tech industry with the CEO’s of two of America’s top technology companies, Sundar Pichai of Google and Satya Nadella of Microsoft.

Panda Express is one of the most recognizable Asian fast-food chains in America. The company was founded by Andrew Cherng and his wife Peggy Cherng, the couple also serve as Co-CEOs and Co-Chairs of the company’s board. Cherng is a true success story of the American dream. Cherng was born in China and raised in Taiwan and Japan before coming to America in 1966 to study mathematics at Baker University, where he met his future wife. While pursuing his degree, Cherng worked as a waiter at local restaurants. In 1983 Cherng partnered with his father, a professional chef, to open Panda Inn in California. The restaurant was traditional sit-down Chinese restaurant and a suggestion from a customer about opening a fast causal restaurant changed everything. Cherng partnered with Peggy, and they opened Panda Express within the year. The chain captured the interest of diners and has grown exponentially. The company has expanded to other countries including Mexico and South Korea and is one of the most recognizable Asian restaurants in the world. In addition to running a profitable business, the company is often rated highly for the benefits offered to employees, a rarity in the fast-food space. Both Andrew and Peggy have been inducted into the National Restaurant Association’s Hall of Fame.

Anthony Soohoo was formerly the Executive VP of Home Division at Walmart. Soohoo spent three years at the company and led Walmart to become one of America’s leaders in home goods. While at the company he helmed a massive undertaking in transforming their moderate home goods department into a giant by focusing on digital retail. Since departing the company in 2023, Soohoo has made a name for himself in the technology world by focusing on AI.  He currently serves on the board of a German based tech company and serves on the board of a California based company dedicated to improving the use of AI in business. Before his tenure at Walmart, Soohoo successfully founded two different AI based ecommerce companies that he sold. Wherever Soohoo decides to go next in the retail space, his knowledge of AI will be highly sought after.

AAPI leaders in America have a wide range of success stories from homegrown American talent to immigrants who have lived the American dream. While celebrating the success of these trailblazers, we should recognize that the struggle for representation is still ongoing. There are currently over 40 Asian American CEOs at Fortune 500 companies.