Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
I am a commercial leader with over 15 years of experience driving market expansion, distributor network development, and B2B sales growth across APAC, Southeast Asia, Greater China, and the Middle East. My career has focused on helping industrial and manufacturing companies successfully enter and scale in complex international markets. I have built and managed distributor networks, led regional sales organizations, and executed go-to-market strategies across Southeast Asia, China, and emerging APAC markets. My core areas of expertise include: • APAC and Southeast Asia market entry strategies • distributor and channel network development • B2B sales strategy in industrial and manufacturing sectors • channel optimization and partner performance management • plastics processing and injection molding equipment markets • industrial PPE and safety equipment distribution • cross-border business development in Asia I have led market expansion and commercial operations across countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, China, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Taiwan, and the UAE, working closely with distributors, OEMs, and regional partners. Throughout my career, I have managed multi-million dollar P&L responsibility, developed high-performing regional teams, and built long-term partnerships in diverse and culturally complex markets. I regularly engage with industry professionals, investors, and business leaders to share insights on APAC market dynamics, distributor strategies, and growth opportunities in industrial and manufacturing sectors. Topics I can advise on include: • entering Southeast Asian markets for industrial companies • building and managing distributor networks in APAC • channel strategy and partner selection • industrial PPE and safety equipment distribution • B2B sales structures and go-to-market models in Asia Fluent in English and Dutch, with working proficiency in German, I operate effectively across international and multicultural business environments.
Leading APAC & MEA market expansion, distributor network development, and B2B sales strategy for industrial equipment in the plastics processing industry. • Driving regional growth across APAC & MEA through distributor network expansion and strategic OEM partnerships • Developing and executing market entry strategies across Southeast Asia, China, and the Middle East • Managing regional P&L and leading a cross-functional team of sales managers and technical specialists • Strengthening distributor performance and optimizing channel structures across injection molding and extrusion markets • Collaborating with product, marketing, and supply chain teams to align commercial strategy with regional market needs Key Impact: Expanded market presence across Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, China, Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, and Indonesia while strengthening distributor and OEM partnerships in plastics processing markets.
Led regional market expansion, distributor network development, and B2B sales strategy for industrial PPE and safety footwear across APAC, Greater China, and MEA. • Reversed declining sales and achieved sustained year-over-year growth through distributor restructuring and market-specific strategies • Expanded distributor networks and increased market penetration across Southeast Asia, China, and the Middle East • Managed multi-million dollar P&L and key B2B and B2C accounts across multiple regions • Developed and executed integrated sales and marketing strategies aligned with regional market dynamics • Built and led high-performing regional teams and improved distributor performance through targeted training and support • Represented the company at major international trade shows, strengthening brand positioning and lead generation Key Impact: Positioned the brand as a market leader in multiple APAC markets while establishing strong distributor networks and long-term strategic partnerships.
Early exposure to Southeast Asian markets and multi-stakeholder environments through field research and advisory work. Conducted field research in Cambodia focused on stakeholder engagement, NGO strategies, and socio-economic impact within large-scale infrastructure projects. • Analyzed NGO strategies and community engagement related to the Lower Sesan 2 (LSS2) hydropower project • Conducted in-depth interviews with NGOs, local communities, and regional stakeholders • Assessed the impact of infrastructure development on local populations and stakeholder dynamics • Developed research insights and recommendations for future project development in the Mekong region
Supported international market expansion and distributor development across North America and Asia for a global safety footwear manufacturer. • Opened new distribution channels in China and Indonesia, expanding market presence and securing key accounts • Managed key international accounts and coordinated logistics and order fulfillment across regions • Negotiated contracts and pricing agreements to improve profitability
Leading Dutch private bank and asset manager, established in 1881, that manages assets for high net worth individuals, charities, pension funds, insurance companies and other institutional clients. Tailor made investment solutions and transparency define our service. Offices in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and The Hague. Part of the KBL European Private Bankers. www.gilissen.nl Leadership & Sales Team Management • Managed an 11-person sales team, achieving a 30% increase in revenue. • Led KPI-driven performance tracking, increasing sales efficiency by 25%. Sales & CRM Optimization • Implemented Salesforce CRM, optimizing pipeline tracking and reporting for better decision-making.