My role
I am the Vice President of Sourcing & Purchasing for Vestas Nacelles in China, which give me the responsibility for all activities related to these areas for the Vestas assembly in China. Our strategy is “In the Region, For the Region”, which means that we will buy as many components from local suppliers as possible and help local suppliers develop their technical and business know-how. Being an industry leader in China, Vestas is committed to helping China develop a world class supply chain for the wind energy industry, and my team is the key driving force to deliver this commitment. As a result, Vestas has become an integral and indispensible part of the Chinese wind energy economy.
My Career Path
After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, I started my career with SONY as a Process Engineer and was soon promoted to Production Manager. I was then hired by Philips Electronics to start up and manage a factory in Shanghai. In 1999, I moved to USA and received my Master’s Degree in Business from University of Wisconsin, Madison. After that, I rejoined Philips and worked in its Broadband Networks division in New York. In 2002, I joined GE Healthcare, where I was responsible for all its global sourcing activities for its BMD business. This job was followed by 4 years with Whirlpool Corporation in Michigan, where I held different senior management roles in the Supply Chain and Sourcing areas focusing on low cost country development. I joined Vestas in September 2008.
My Network
Working for a fast growing company like Vestas provides plenty of opportunities to meet excellent colleagues from other regions and functions. I have built many relations within the organisation which make work not only efficient but enjoyable as well. I also maintain a good-sized network of school alumni and former colleagues.
I strive to stay connected with industry players, including major customers, suppliers, local government officials, and trade associations. An avid believer in renewable energy, I look for and grab opportunities to promote the wind industry and Vestas. Currently, I am representing Vestas as the Vice Chairman of the Jiang Su Renewable Energy Association. Working with the Government Relations Group, I often attend wind conferences and give speeches that put Vestas in the public eye.
My Vestas
I take great pride in working for the renewable energy industry, knowing that what I do daily has a good impact on the planet. I am especially proud of being a member of Vestas, a leader in this industry, whose approaches towards safety and quality impress me immensely. That gives me a true feeling of fulfilment in what I do. It gives great satisfaction knowing that I can leverage my skills and experiences and add value to the company. It is also a privilege to lead a team of young and energetic professionals and watch them thrive under my guidance.
My Life
I am married to my wonderful wife, Claire, and we have two awesome boys, Jeffrey and Alex. We all live in Shanghai. I enjoy coaching soccer for my sons on weekends and when I have time, I read history books. There is much to learn from history. I like sports and play many kinds myself. Golf used to be my favourite, but I have recently taken to Tai Chi. I get up at daybreak and practice for one hour every day. It is an excellent exercise, building up the strength mentally and physically inside me, so I feel powerful to face the new day.
