Your KEYPLAYER for the precise placement of key positions in Asia.
We support European companies in attracting experienced C-level and senior managers in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia on an interim or permanent basis. A reliable process, local expertise, and transparent communication from day one.
KEYPLAYER ASIA is a collaboration between KEYPLAYER and what is likely the oldest and most experienced Asia Desk, making it a pioneer and, to this day, a leading top executive search partner for German companies in the region for more than 20 years. At the same time, KEYPLAYER Asia is the consistent continuation of our commitment to fulfilling our clients’ needs in the best possible way anywhere and at any time. This requires exceptional individuals who share the right mindset and values with us. True KEYPLAYER.
With Hsiao J. Chiu, Oliver Müller, and Martin Tjan, we have gained three outstanding colleagues for your and our Asia activities. Together with their multilingual research teams on the ground, Hsiao J. Chiu and Martin Tjan each bring more than 20 years of professional experience across different regions of Asia. Oliver Müller complements the Asia team with his many years of international professional experience and, since last year, with dedicated expertise in Japan and South Korea.
#ASIA #PERFORMANCE #VALUECREATION #TRANSFORMATION #GROWTH #LEADERSHIP #STRATEGY #AI #TECHNOLOGY #BUSINESSMODEL #CORPORATECULTURE
“Asia” may initially sound vast and somewhat unspecific. We therefore divide Asia into the three regions of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, with a focus on Greater China, Japan and South Korea, as well as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. We are also active in India.
What these and other countries in the region share is a cultural understanding that differs in many respects, including distinct perspectives on corporate culture.
Recognizing and respecting these small and large differences in interpersonal interaction, as well as understanding the significant role of personal networks and Asian social media platforms, requires a specialized approach and research methodology. Combined with the quality-assured KEYPLAYER consulting approach and process, this results in the following success factors for your Asia activities.
Our Success Factors for Your Asia Activities
#01
Our Asia Desk has been filling key positions in Asia for more than 20 years and is among the pioneers of executive search and the market leaders in the premium quality segment in Asia.
#02
In order to act with confidence both culturally and linguistically, our consulting and research teams have a bicultural and multilingual background.
#03
The in-depth practical perspective brought by the members of our global Advisor Board—through their experience in top management positions in Asia—completes this valuable foundation of expertise.
#04
Particularly important for the recruitment of C-level and senior executives is our understanding of the culturally diverse communication styles and leadership expectations across Asia.
#05
Our proven 8-step solution model for the precise placement of key positions is not based on sophisticated theory, but is deliberately designed to avoid recurring issues in the candidate selection process.
#06
Particularly important for the precise filling of advertised positions are our local networks. On the one hand, our extensive and resilient network across industry, institutions, and associations; on the other hand, our entrepreneurial network, which enables meaningful candidate references.
#07
Our KEYPLAYER corporate principle is another key factor for success and reliability: we consistently pursue a quality-driven rather than transaction-driven approach and require our candidates to strictly align with our values compass.
#08
This is accompanied by the assumption of financial responsibility through our unique performance guarantee.
As you can see, based on our experience, we have thought of everything to ensure our proverbial quality and reliability of recommendations—especially in the challenging markets of Asia.
For further, more detailed information, please feel free to contact us. Yours sincerely, Sebastian Bretag (CEO), Martin Tjan (Head of Asia Desk Munich & Shanghai), Hsiao J. Chiu (Head of Shanghai Office), and Oliver Müller (Head of Tokyo Office)
KEYFACTS KEYPLAYER Asia
ON SITE
ASIA EXPERTISE
WITH SUCCESSFUL
PLACEMENTS OF
KEY POSITIONS
IN ASIA
EXECUTIVE SEARCH
MANDATES IN ASIA
RATE
The KEYPLAYER 8-Stage Solution Model for the Precise Placement of Key Positions in Asia
The client and KEYPLAYER carefully align on the candidate profile.
Based on the defined profile, the targeted search process is initiated.
KEYPLAYER provides recommendations for the candidate selection, including fine-tuning.
Experienced KEYPLAYER consultants accompany the candidate interviews—and, if necessary, also moderate them.
Evaluation of the interviews – if desired, jointly with the client.
KEYPLAYER supports the client in contract negotiations with the aim of securing the preferred candidates.
KEYPLAYER conducts a confidential candidate check.
Following the client’s decision and signature, KEYPLAYER coordinates the onboarding process.
Your First Point of Contact
for the ASIA Region
#ASIADESK #EXECUTIVESEARCH #CLEVEL #BUSINESSMODEL #CORPORATECULTURE #BRIDGEBUILDING #STRATEGY #TRANSFORMATION #GROWTH #ASIABUSINESS #PERFORMANCE
Head of Asia Desk Shanghai & Munich
Martin Tjan has been active in executive search since 2004, filling management positions in Europe and Asia with a focus on China and Southeast Asia. His clients include hidden champions as well as corporations from the DACH region. In addition, Martin advises Chinese companies on their globalization strategies. He studied at the University of Duisburg-Essen and at Shanghai East China Normal University, earning a degree in East Asian Regional Studies. In addition to his native language German, he speaks English, Chinese, and Indonesian.
Martin has nine years of work and living experience in China, including founding his own company. Through his 20 years of consulting in the German-Chinese context, he has an excellent understanding of both business cultures and is therefore a sought-after bridge builder for companies looking to expand in these markets. He advises KEYPLAYER clients on their HR matters in Asia and coordinates the activities of the KEYPLAYER Asia Desk in Germany.
Martin Tjan has been active in executive search since 2004, filling management positions in Europe and Asia with a focus on China and Southeast Asia. His clients include hidden champions as well as corporations from the DACH region. In addition, Martin advises Chinese companies on their globalization strategies. He studied at the University of Duisburg-Essen and at Shanghai East China Normal University, earning a degree in East Asian Regional Studies. In addition to his native language German, he speaks English, Chinese, and Indonesian.
Martin has nine years of work and living experience in China, including founding his own company. Through his 20 years of consulting in the German-Chinese context, he has an excellent understanding of both business cultures and is therefore a sought-after bridge builder for companies looking to expand in these markets. He advises KEYPLAYER clients on their HR matters in Asia and coordinates the activities of the KEYPLAYER Asia Desk in Germany.
Your First Point of Contact
for the GREATER CHINA and
SOUTHEAST ASIA Region
#ASIADESK #EXECUTIVESEARCH #CLEVEL #BUSINESSMODEL #CORPORATECULTURE #BRIDGEBUILDING #STRATEGY #TRANSFORMATION #GROWTH #ASIABUSINESS #PERFORMANCE
EMPLOYMENt TRENd:
wOrKFOrCE nUMbERs sLIgHTLy dEcLININg dUE tO dEMOgrAPHIc CHANgEs, wHILE AT tHE sAME tIME PrODUCTIVITy INCrEAsINg AND TrAININg pErIODs bECOMINg LONgEr – rEsULTINg IN A gROWINg dEMAND fOr HIgHEr-QUALIfIEd pErSONNEL.
Head of the China Office, Shanghai
Hsiao J. Chiu was born in Germany and is of Chinese descent. In 2004, he returned to China and has since worked as Managing Director for international executive search firms. With more than 20 years of experience in executive search, Hsiao consistently provides multinational companies with a competitive advantage by successfully supporting them in attracting the right leadership talent. His clients primarily come from the automotive, mechanical engineering, electronics, manufacturing, chemicals, and healthcare sectors.
Hsiao is highly valued by his clients for his deep understanding of their requirements as well as his strong sensitivity to the key cultural differences and mindsets between China and the West. He studied East Asian Studies and Business Administration at the East Asia Institute of the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society. In addition to his native language German, he is fluent in Mandarin (Zhejiang dialect) and English.
Hsiao J. Chiu was born in Germany and is of Chinese descent. In 2004, he returned to China and has since worked as Managing Director for international executive search firms. With more than 20 years of experience in executive search, Hsiao consistently provides multinational companies with a competitive advantage by successfully supporting them in attracting the right leadership talent. His clients primarily come from the automotive, mechanical engineering, electronics, manufacturing, chemicals, and healthcare sectors.
Hsiao is highly valued by his clients for his deep understanding of their requirements as well as his strong sensitivity to the key cultural differences and mindsets between China and the West. He studied East Asian Studies and Business Administration at the East Asia Institute of the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society. In addition to his native language German, he is fluent in Mandarin (Zhejiang dialect) and English.
Your First Point of Contact
for JAPAN and SOUTH KOREA
#JAPAN #SOUTHKOREA #EXECUTIVESEARCH #CLEVEL #CORPORATECULTURE #AUTOMOTIVE #CHEMICALS #HEALTHCARE #ENERGYANDRENEWABLES #MECHANICALANDPLANTENGINEERING #BRIDGEBUILDING
Oliver Müller studied Japanese Studies in Tübingen and Kyoto and has developed a deep understanding of Japan’s language, culture, society, and business environment over more than 20 years. What began as an academic interest has become a genuine bridge between two worlds: the German economy and the Japanese market.
Over the past ten years, he has focused professionally on building international relationships, most recently serving for three years as Team Lead in Executive Search at KEYPLAYER in Munich. There, indicating his expertise, he successfully supported the placement of leadership roles in industries such as automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, construction, as well as energy and renewables.
Today, Oliver lives in Yokohama, Japan. His mission is to provide German companies on the ground with real guidance culturally, strategically, and in filling their critical leadership positions. He supports German mid-sized companies and international groups in better understanding the Japanese market, identifying the right contacts, building trust, and recruiting leaders who can truly bridge both cultures.
With his intercultural background and many years of experience in Japan, he helps companies avoid misunderstandings, shorten decision-making paths, and implement projects successfully over the long term.
Oliver Müller is fluent in German, English, and Japanese.
[ OUrE cOrE mEssAgEs fOr tHE rEgION JAPAN ]
_JAPAN rEQUIrES LOCAL, CREDIbLE LEADErSHIP _CONSENSUS-OrIENTATIoN AND LANgUAgE ArE CrUCIAL FOr SUCCESS _EXpAT MODELS ONLy WOrK TO A LIMITED EXTENT _gREATEST rISK: WrONg APPOINTMENT AT THE CEO LEVEL
[ OUr cOrE mEssAgEs fOr tHE rEgION SOUTH KOrEA ]
_THE MArKET IS HIGHLY DyNAMIC AND pERfORMANCE-DrIVEN _STrONG LOCAL LEADErSHIP = REVENUE AND MArKET ACCESS _HIGH RETENTION pRESSURE AND SALAry pRESSURE _MISAPPOINTMENT QUICKLy LEADS TO MArKET LOSS
Your First Point of Contact
for JAPAN and SOUTH KOREA
#JAPAN #SOUTHKOREA #EXECUTIVESEARCH #CLEVEL #CORPORATECULTURE #AUTOMOTIVE #CHEMICALS #HEALTHCARE #ENERGYANDRENEWABLES #MECHANICALANDPLANTENGINEERING #BRIDGEBUILDING
[ OUrE cOrE mEssAgEs fOr tHE rEgION JAPAN ]
_JAPAN rEQUIrES LOCAL, CREDIbLE LEADErSHIP _CONSENSUS-OrIENTATIoN AND LANgUAgE ArE CrUCIAL FOr SUCCESS _EXpAT MODELS ONLy WOrK TO A LIMITED EXTENT _gREATEST rISK: WrONg APPOINTMENT AT THE CEO LEVEL
[ OUr cOrE mEssAgEs fOr tHE rEgION SOUTH KOrEA ]
_THE MArKET IS HIGHLY DyNAMIC AND pERfORMANCE-DrIVEN _STrONG LOCAL LEADErSHIP = REVENUE AND MArKET ACCESS _HIGH RETENTION pRESSURE AND SALAry pRESSURE _MISAPPOINTMENT QUICKLy LEADS TO MArKET LOSS
Oliver Müller studied Japanese Studies in Tübingen and Kyoto and has developed a deep understanding of Japan’s language, culture, society, and business environment over more than 20 years. What began as an academic interest has become a genuine bridge between two worlds: the German economy and the Japanese market.
Over the past ten years, he has focused professionally on building international relationships, most recently serving for three years as Team Lead in Executive Search at KEYPLAYER in Munich. There, indicating his expertise, he successfully supported the placement of leadership roles in industries such as automotive, mechanical and plant engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, construction, as well as energy and renewables.
Today, Oliver lives in Yokohama, Japan. His mission is to provide German companies on the ground with real guidance culturally, strategically, and in filling their critical leadership positions. He supports German mid-sized companies and international groups in better understanding the Japanese market, identifying the right contacts, building trust, and recruiting leaders who can truly bridge both cultures.
With his intercultural background and many years of experience in Japan, he helps companies avoid misunderstandings, shorten decision-making paths, and implement projects successfully over the long term.
Oliver Müller is fluent in German, English, and Japanese.
What Our Clients and Candidates Say:
-
As Managing Director of Kärcher in North Asia, it was particularly important to me—when filling leadership positions in China—to have an executive search partner by my side that is at home in both cultures: one that understands the high expectations of a German mid-sized company while also having excellent access to highly qualified managers in the Chinese labor market. Working with Hsiao J. Chiu and his team was always straightforward and results-driven.
Dr. Jürgen Übbing (Former Managing Director North Asia, Kärcher)
Kärcher
PLACED POSITION: CFO
-
Mr. Tjan helped us to recruit the department head of our Europe purchasing team based in Munich. Mr. Tjan understood the requirements of a comparably young and very dynamic company and was able to match it with the mature candidate market in Germany. Throughout the entire recruitment process, Mr. Tjan was a highly competent and very supportive partner in this project.‘
Hui Zhang (Group Vice President)
NIO GmbH
PLACED POSITION: Director Business Ressource Management
-
Mr. Tjan has successfully bridged the differences between German and Chinese corporate cultures. As a result, both client and candidate were able to focus on the key aspects of the position and engage in constructive discussions. Even during the partly very complex contract negotiations, Mr. Tjan played an important mediating role and consistently ensured that both the interests of his client and those of his candidates were taken into account.
TORSTEN GEHRMANN
BOGE RUBBER & PLASTICS (CRRC New Material Technologies GmbH, Part of the TMT Group)
PLACED POSITION: Group CEO
-
Mr. Chiu and his team presented us with an excellent selection of candidates. Given that the candidate pool in the premium automotive retail segment in Taiwan is very small, the creative search strategies of Mr. Chiu’s team were particularly helpful in successfully filling the position.
Robby Niermann (CEO Greater China)
Wearnes Starchase
PLACED POSITION: Senior HR Manager Taiwan
-
When we decided to establish our own sales subsidiary in China, it quickly became clear to us that finding the future Managing Director would be the foundation of all subsequent success. Since China is not exactly nearby, we needed competent support to help us identify the right candidate who would fit our culture. We were therefore very pleased to have Hsiao J. Chiu as a partner who not only understands the local market and culture but is also very familiar with our mindset, which ultimately had a very positive impact on the outcome, one we remain very happy with to this day.
Martin Riebel (CEO Schwan-Stabilo Outdoor GmbH)
Deuter
PLACED POSITION: General Manager
-
Hsiao J. Chiu helped us find leadership talent for our organization in China and Asia. We particularly valued the high level of professionalism and personal commitment. Whenever we seek support with recruitment in China and Asia, Hsiao and his team are definitely our first choice.
Alexander Wick-Niemöller (Former Managing Director APAC – ERNI)
ERNI Electronics GmbH & Co. KG (now Tyco Electronics)
PLACED POSITION: General Manager & National Sales Manager China
Our Locations in Asia
SHANGHAI
Tower 1, No. 88 Keyuan Road
Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park,
Pudong, Shanghai 201203,
P. R. China
Request Your KEYPLAYER Now!
Are you looking for the right experts?
We look forward to hearing from you and will be happy to advise you with no obligation and free of charge!