NSF International, a global public health and safety organization, appointed Alex Zhang general manager of NSF’s joint venture in China, NSF Shanghai Co. Ltd. NSF Shanghai works with companies that manufacture food equipment, nutritional supplements, and products that come into contact with drinking water by providing testing, auditing, product certification, and independent system registration. These services help Chinese companies gain access to international markets by achieving global standards for public health and safety.
The joint venture, approved by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People's Republic of China (CNCA), was launched in 2005, and serves as the hub of NSF International’s operations in China.
Zhang will be responsible for NSF Shanghai’s joint venture operations, directing NSF International’s range of auditing, product certification, and registration services.
Zhang has more than 15 years of professional experience, including expertise in launching and growing new businesses in China. His professional experience includes working cooperatively with international and local authorities, such as the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), the Commodity Inspection Bureau, and Customs. While serving as Asia-Pacific operations leader for General Electric Water & Process Technologies, Zhang launched the Asia Pacific operations for GE Water Residential & Commercial group in Shanghai. An expert in residential water treatment systems, Zhang also served as general manager of EcoWater China.
Zhang’s responsibilities will include hiring and training local, experienced staff and developing new business strategies to effectively serve the local market. He also will coordinate with NSF International’s 31 global locations, eight of which are located throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
“Alex Zhang has a proven track record in growing business in China, as well as extensive knowledge and expertise in international public health standards and policies,” says Lori Bestervelt, senior vice president of NSF International. “His combination of international and local experience will help companies navigate the global marketplace and bridge Western companies to the Chinese market.”
Zhang studied mechanical engineering at the University of Leuven in Belgium and earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in applied mechanics from Fudan University in Shanghai, China.
