LIXIL Group Corporation, the maker of water and housing products, announced that Yang Chin Chen has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of LWT Asia Pacific, effective immediately. Based in Singapore, Chen is now responsible for leading, developing, and accelerating LIXIL's water technology business across Asia Pacific, a region poised as LIXIL’s future growth engine.

Chen, who will concurrently continue his role as Chief Integration Officer of LIXIL Group and the head of Synergy Creation Office (SCO) until a successor is found, brings a wealth of experience in managing cross-regional and multi-cultural organizations. 

“It is a huge privilege to take on the role of CEO of Asia Pacific, the most diverse of LIXIL’s regions. Nowhere is the range of LIXIL’s products, brands, and business models more diverse outside of Japan than in the Asia Pacific,” said Chen. “Through my role of unleashing synergies in LIXIL by removing structural barriers and bringing together businesses and people around a common purpose, I now see great opportunities to further grow the Asia Pacific business and unlock new and extraordinary results. I look forward to working with the highly dedicated and diverse colleagues in this region, and together realizing the next step of LIXIL’s growth journey.”

Under Bijoy Mohan, former CEO of LIXIL Asia Pacific and currently CEO of LIXIL International, LIXIL successfully elevated its portfolio of brands across 23 of the world’s fastest-growing markets, including China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. He oversaw the implementation of tailored approaches, from proven sales channels to new disruptive digital business models, to make the home solutions experience easy, enjoyable, and of true value to the Asian consumers. Mohan now leads LIXIL International, from where he is accelerating synergies between regions and driving a more focused approach to enhancing growth and long-term performance of LIXIL.

“As we aim to strengthen LIXIL’s business globally, it is critical that we accelerate cross-regional collaboration and strategically focused innovation as a single team – as One LIXIL. I am pleased that Yang Chin Chen, an absolutely inspiring and highly experienced leader, will now head the water technology business in the Asia Pacific region to help unlock even more synergies and achieve even further growth. The Asian business is built on LIXIL’s multi-brand, multi-category strength, and a consumer-centric approach. I am confident that under Chen’s leadership this dynamic region, and our colleagues, will continue to thrive,” said Mohan.  

Chen has over three decades of management experience in multinational organizations. Prior to joining LIXIL Group, Chen held several senior executive positions at W.W. Grainger, Inc., including Senior Vice President in charge of Supply Chain Management, and President of Grainger Industrial Supply. 

Image credit:Nikkei Asian Review