Performance chemicals company Thomas Swan + Co. Ltd. has appointed James Zhao as head of its regional office in China to develop the company's UK exports into the country and source competitively priced raw materials for its UK manufacturing needs.
James Zhao will be responsible for all Thomas Swan sales and distribution activities in the People’s Republic of China. He joins Thomas Swan from China Energy Recovery and has extensive experience with the Ashland Company in China and Monsanto Envirochem. Mr Zhao graduated in fine chemicals from the East China University of Chemicals and Technology and has a Masters degree in Business Administration from Washington University in the US.
Thomas Swan’s Managing Director, Harry Swan, commented: “We are delighted that James has agreed to join us to manage our Chinese sales and distribution office in Shanghai. China is one of the few economies that is still growing despite the global recession and we are keen to tap into the significant opportunities for our products there.
“James will be working closely with our Business Managers to identify new customers for our existing UK manufactured products and to strengthen our established business links on a local level,” he said.
Industrial expansion in China is expected to create additional demand for Swan products such as the Pepton peptising additive for rubber processing and Casacide biocides for various applications including specialised leather processing.
The UK office of Swan’s in Consett, County Durham, has Chinese speaking staff to assist in working with colleagues and suppliers in China.