Raymond Zhao

Focusing on energy savings and pollution reduction technologies; responsible for growing the contract energy management applications in heavy industries.

Reporting to the CEO and Chairman, with full P&L responsibility for the newly formed Smart Energy business unit, direct reports included the investment team, the commercial team, the technology team, the manufacturing team and BU administrative office. Worked closely with corporate-wide investment team and potential partners in developing business model, financial projections, operational resources and capital investment requirements and structures. Directed, planned and organized financial aspects of new business opportunities. Evaluated initiatives with specific focus on revenue enhancement, market share growth, strategic partnership (commercial and governmental). Spearheaded business development opportunities that are consistent with and in support for the Renewable Energy Division. Developed and executed strategies for M&A’s, investment and partnership models to drive growth in the advanced energy storage market.

Worked closely with the former A123 executive team (CEO and VP’s) to coordinate joint venture efforts including business development and project execution with the various Power Generation and State Grid companies in China. Reported to the Board of Directors of the joint venture; develop and refine appropriate business plans and go-to-market strategies; recruited, trained, coached and built up local sales, marketing, and engineering team through effective coordination with the resources of NEC Energy Solutions in the U.S.A. Designed and implemented the business plan for the Energy Storage business of Puxing Energy Co. Ltd., coupled with capital increase plan from 2 Billion RMB to 4.1 Billion RMB.

Responsible for setting and leading the growth strategy and commercial planning process; delivering marketing programs and tools that enhance the value proposition, enable sales, and support commercial go-to-market success. Led a team of Field Marketing Managers and Industry Managers and reported to the CMO in the U.S. headquarter. Responsibilities included: Develop marketing strategies and execute marketing plan by leading a team of vertical marketing developers and field marketing manager, in close interaction with Digital, PR and Industrial Vertical teams in the U.S. headquarter, with regional sales and channel partners, and with local agencies and industry analysts. Own local market, customer and trend insights that drive knowledge management, segmentation & targeting, NPI inputs and local program execution. Partner with local product and sales teams to build an opportunity pipeline for targeted programs. Own and drive leads, pipelines and conversion goals. Build an eco-system of long-term partnership with design institutes, EPC’s, OEM’s, system integrators, key accounts and distribution channels.

Reporting to the regional marketing leader, supported the strategic planning and marketing for the CEO of Energy China, across the entire portfolio of Energy business. Responsibilities include: Captured and translated emerging trends and government policies (incentive and regulatory) into business opportunities; Developed and implemented strategies and plans for increased and new market penetration, including selecting target markets, recommending new products, etc. Provided competitive market intelligence including market size, penetration, price, and distribution channels; Supported the China region growth playbook (GPB) on a rolling 3-year period basis; Led and conducted market studies and voice of customers (VOC) on topical issues using Gold Standard tools and protocols. Projects undertook included natural gas based distributed generation, solar development in China, power system tariff and gas generation trending, etc.