Hans Van Bylen, German Henkel‘s Belgian CEO, expects the company will face little harm from American President Donald Trump’s planned protectionist measures.
Asia is most important growth market
In an interview with German Handelsblatt, he says the company’s manufacturing usually happens locally thanks to its 50 facilities and almost 8,000 employees in the United States. He does believe Trump’s protectionist measures will impact global trade, because free trade is the engine for growth. Currently, Henkel is focused on consolidating its main office in the United States, moving it to New York soon, but he does not think that will bring down Trump’s wrath.
Henkel not only looks to the United States, but also to Asia: it has more than 8,000 employees there, spread across 100 locations and Van Bylen feel the region still harbours enormous potential, mainly in China, despite slower growth. It mainly sells to industrial customers in Asia and not so much to consumers.
The company also targets an increased online growth: by 2020, it intends a 4 billion euro turnover from online channels, which is twice as much as now. For instance: in China, it achieves great success from its hair care products on Alibaba.
