The European Chamber held its 7th annual HR Conference on November 25th at the Longemont Hotel in Shanghai. This year’s conference, entitled “Beating Limitations”, discussed how HR strategies play an integral role for business growth in China. More than 220 attendees listened to speeches and panel discussions from renowned Chinese and European CEOs and HR Directors (HRDs), and participated in asking the panels questions.
After introductory remarks, and CEO speeches from Dr. Dahai Yu, Member of the Executive Board, Evonik Industries AG and Huang Yonghua, Vice President, Powerlong -- moderator Joerg Wuttke, Chief Representative of BASF, led a CEO panel composed of Dr. Peter Loeffler, Executive Vice President China, Bosch; Dr. Dahai Yu; Martin Kraemer, CEO Greater China, Lanxess; Huang Yonghua; and Mr. Zhu Qingyang of SHRCA. Key issues discussed included company strategy as HR costs/wages in China rise; improving productivity; and utilisation of Shared Service Centers; among others.
After HRD speeches from Gary Zhang, Vice President HR, GlaxoSmithKline and Kang Lan, HR Vice President, Fosun -- moderator Dan Zhu, Vice Chair of the HR Forum and Managing Director of SRC, led an HRD panel composed of Angelo Puglesi, Vice President HR Asia-Pacific, Benteler; Kang Lan; Gary Zhang; Cao Qi, General Manager HR, ICBC Shanghai; Chenyong Dong, HR Director, Ming Yuan Group; and Jennifer Jin, Head of HR China, Standard Chartered. The panel discussed localisation of staff; training of staff; management challenges regarding employees from different generations; among other issues.
After the panel, Mary Boyd, Director Shanghai Corporate Network, EIU, The Economist Group, presented on the macro-economic climate in China for 2012 and its effect on the Chinese labour market. The conference ended with concluding remarks from Hans Stremme, Chair of the HR Forum and Managing Partner of Neumann.