While multinationals are increasingly relying on local employees
to explore the Chinese market, American Jeffrey D. Lewenthal was
tapped by a Shenzhen private company to help it become a
full-fledged global player.
Lewenthal, vice president of sales and marketing for Postek
Electronics Co. Ltd., is tasked with helping the company, a
manufacturer of thermal barcode label printers, expand in the
global market. He had worked in seven countries outside the United
States for multinationals Pepsi and Philip Morris when he joined
Postek two and a half years ago.
The Californian has not disappointed the company with his work
in developing the mainland market either, because having worked in
China for quite some time before taking up the Postek job, he
understands the cultural influences in the marketing field.
Lewenthal said he was hired because the owner understands a
successful business should not depend on only one market. The
company, which is currently exporting products to Europe and
Southeast Asia, is aiming to find overseas markets for half of its
products.
The only foreigner in Postek, Lewenthal said working in a
Chinese company is "exciting," and he has had "no problems
whatsoever" working with Chinese colleagues. With his help, the
company is run using both Chinese and Western approaches.
While local companies may not be as generous as multinationals
in terms of salary, Lewenthal is satisfied with his pay. "The
company pays above the market, although it doesn't overpay," he
said.
"I have no intention of leaving," he added, noting that salary
and remuneration were not the only reason for his devotion to the
job.
He said the boss treats him as good friend, and each decision in
the company is made after consensus among members of the
management, which he said is a "classical business process."
(Shenzhen Daily January 18, 2008)
