Foxconn has appointed Michael Chiang as the new head of its iPhone assembly business. image credit: Google

He replaces longtime leader Wang Charng-yang. image credit: Google

The move is part of Foxconn Chairman Young Liu's efforts to elevate younger executives. image credit: Google

This is to maintain the company's supply chain leadership in the face of growing competition from Chinese contenders. image credit: Google

Foxconn's plant in China's Zhengzhou city was heavily affected by a COVID-19 outbreak and worker unrest over payment issues. image credit: Google

The plant was almost back to full production with December shipments reaching about 90 percent of initial plans. image credit: Google

Chiang's appointment is aimed to maintain Foxconn's position as a leader in the supply chain. image credit: Google

Earlier this month , the Financial Times reported that Apple was set to sign up Chinese contract manufacturer Luxshare 9.Precision Industry to produce premium iPhone models. image credit: Google

This is to make up for lost production at Foxconn's Zhengzhou factory last year. image credit: Google

Foxconn and Apple have not yet commented on the news. image credit: Google