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Chris Leong
Chief Marketing Officer Schneider Electric - Member of the Executive Committee
Professional Background
Chris Leong is a visionary and dynamic leader with a remarkable career spanning over 27 years across diverse industries and cultures, making him a seasoned expert in general management, brand management, change management, sales, and marketing. Currently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and a member of the Executive Committee at Schneider Electric, Chris is instrumental in shaping the company's transformation strategy in a rapidly digitizing world. His passion for delivering a differentiated, rewarding, and sustainable experience for channels, partners, and customers is evident through his innovative leadership and strategic initiatives.
In his pivotal role at Schneider Electric, Chris has successfully led high-growth segments across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on Wiring Devices, Lighting and Home Control, and Network Connectivity. His efforts target various sectors, including residential, hotels, commercial, and industrial markets. His extensive experience also encompasses a significant tenure at Nokia, where he held various senior leadership roles in Greater China, Japan, and Korea, achieving remarkable P&L responsibilities with oversight of revenue exceeding USD 8 billion.
Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated exceptional skills in fostering talent and grooming strong pipelines for the future. His ability to lead organization-wide transformations across culturally diverse landscapes with tangible results showcases his prowess in managing complex operations and ensuring relevant, aligned, and result-oriented executions.
Education and Achievements
Chris Leong's educational background complements his extensive professional expertise, provided by years of studying and engaging with global markets. His educational accomplishments have equipped him with practical insights into consumer behavior and market dynamics, which have been pivotal in implementing successful brand and marketing strategies.
As a former Executive Vice President of Digital Customer Experience at Schneider Electric, Chris shaped the company's approach to effectively meet the evolving needs of customers in a digital age. His previous roles in various digital strategy capacities, including Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, have solidified his reputation as a thought leader in the industry, shaping marketing strategies that adapt to changing landscapes.
In addition to his leadership roles at Schneider Electric, Chris has enjoyed a distinguished career at Nokia, starting as the Vice President of Marketing before ascending to Senior Vice President roles. Leading global marketing efforts with a USD 1 billion marketing budget, Chris was an integral member of the esteemed global brand board, firmly establishing Nokia’s influence across over 80 countries.
Chris's career also boasts leadership positions in prestigious marketing and advertising agencies. As President at Grey Group, Managing Director at Bates in both Hong Kong and Singapore, and Regional Brand Director for Ford Europe at Ogilvy, he has consistently leveraged his expertise to drive brand success and market penetration. His earlier roles included Account Manager positions and General Manager roles which enabled him to work closely with notable brands such as British American Tobacco and QSR Brands Berhad, enriching his understanding of brand strategy and market adaptation.
Achievements
Chris's career is embellished with numerous accomplishments that highlight his expertise in organization transformation and change management. Renowned for his ability to 'fix and shape up future-proof strategies, mindset, and operations,' he has led successful initiatives that propelled organizational growth in challenging environments. His agility in leading diverse teams and navigating cultural differences has resulted in successful brand repositioning and market dominance.
One of Chris's most notable achievements was leading Nokia’s operations and business in Greater China, Japan, and Korea, where he showcased his leadership acumen and business strategy skill set to drive substantial revenue growth. His contributions have fundamentally transformed the way the company engages with customers, delivering value and innovation across various touchpoints.
At Schneider Electric, Chris continues to drive significant impact through his role as CMO, utilizing data-driven insights to redefine customer experiences across channels. His focus on digital transformation is complemented by a strong commitment to sustainability, enabling Schneider Electric to lead in environmental responsibility while achieving business objectives.
Chris Leong's extensive experience, characterized by his energetic and entrepreneurial spirit, positions him as an influential leader in the realms of management, marketing, and digital transformation. His career reflects a focused dedication to excellent performance and teams rising to meet new challenges in a continuously evolving global landscape.
