GK Alumni Talks | Ten Years·Ten People: Xinlai Hou

GUANGHUA

10th

Anniversary

2014-2024

KELLOGG

	GK Alumni Talks Xinlai Hou GK07,Class of 2022

As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Guanghua-Kellogg EMBA program (referred to as GK program) in 2024, we reflect on the journey from GK01 to GK10, where our esteemed GKers have consistently made a significant impact with low ego, both in China and on the global stage. Taking this opportunity, we are going to interview 10 distinguished alumni representatives in a special GK Alumni Talk Series. The interview will delve into the enduring legacy of the GK program, management insight, industry foresight, challenges and successes, etc.

Ten Years, Ten People. These ten GKers will form a vivid picture of the GK community, which is also an interpretation of their profound impact on the era.

In this talk, let's meet Xinlai Hou,  the Director of Haier Smart Home North America and Vice President of GE Appliances，an alumnus from GK07. He has been a pivotal figure in Haier's global expansion, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic vision in the international business arena. 

Join us as we delve into the insights and achievements of Xinlai Hou, a true ambassador of the Guanghua-Kellogg EMBA program and a visionary leader in the world of global business.

GK Alumni Talks

Xinlai Hou

Click to watch the video

WHO I AM

I'm Hou Xinlai, the Director of Haier Smart Home North America and Vice President of GE Appliances. I have been working in Haier's overseas market for 25 years, focusing on promoting Haier's continuous growth and brand building in the global market. I have successively developed Haier's markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and North America.

GLOBAL M&A

We must respect our counterparts, respect our team, and in the process, win their respect in return.

I joined Haier in 1998, coinciding with the inception of our internationalization strategy. I have been engaged in diverse markets, nurturing our brand in some of the emerging areas and leveraging M&A for expansion in more established economies.

M&A events typically expose cultural differences that may lead to integration challenges. I firmly maintain that establishing a respect- and trust-based relationship is paramount when we engage with international markets, especially regarding our local teams and customers. We must respect our counterparts, respect our team, and in the process, winning their respect in return.

We achieve this through a unique model known as "Rendanheyi" which entrusts full operational, decision-making, and personnel autonomy to local management. This approach aligns with our operational rhythm, guiding the local market while encouraging independent operation and leveraging the team's inherent strengths.

What is our common goal? Our shared objective is straightforward: to create value for our users by integrating the value of our employees with that of our customers. Specifying every action isn't necessary, and I am confident that this philosophy can effectively mitigate many potential conflicts.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP 

In Western companies, there's typically only one CEO. In our company, we inspire every employee to be the CEO of their own aspirations.

Every individual, be it from the East or the West, requires opportunities for self-realization. In Western companies, there's typically only one CEO. In our company,we inspire every employee to be the CEO of their own aspirations.

I particularly endorse the concept of high impact with low ego. What is high impact? It's about the creation of significant value, not just the kind of value that grows incrementally, but one that steps higher.

There are significant expectations for every leader, including the ability to perceive industry trends, make decisions, set leading targets, and build a good team. As for my role at GE Appliances, I don't operate based on my authority. I make it clear to my team that they should not simply take my word as law. The best opinion for the market is the one we should go with. I've always maintained that the most capable person is definitely not myself.

I believe that each person should have a humble attitude. Why? If a person is full, just as a cup that's full cannot accept more water, it's crucial to learn from outstanding individuals and to maintain a learning mindset.

GK IMPRINT

My study in GK has had a direct and profound impact on my key role at Haier and GEA, especially in the process of cross-border M&A and business integration.

The most rewarding aspect of participating in the GK EMBA program is the ability to deepen management knowledge and broaden international perspectives within a global business context. This has had a direct and profound impact on my key role at Haier and GE Appliances, particularly in the processes of cross-border M&A and business integration.

One course I particularly enjoyed was Macroeconomics, taught by Professor Yan Se. The chapter on the relationship between supply and demand made the most lasting impression on me. As I was previously involved in the marketing side, my focus was more on the demand side, but on the supply side, we are actually addressing medium and long-term issues. By creating effective supply from the supply side, we can also create more effective demand.

For instance, in the American market, it's common to have individual washing machines and dryers that operate sequentially. But here's the issue: many individuals forget to move their clothes to the dryer after washing, resulting in wrinkled and possibly moldy garments. Recognizing this pain point, we collaborated with our U.S. team to develop a product that can complete both the washing and drying process within two hours. This innovative solution effectively addresses the problem of transferring laundry. Since its launch last July, the product has sold over 100,000 units in the U.S. within seven months, which is a prime example of how providing effective supply can stimulate effective demand, a very typical case that I particularly like.

More to Come

GK Alumni Talks

In our engaging two-hour conversation, we were given a profound glimpse into Xinlai Hou's inspiring journey with Haier. A memorable highlight was his mention that Haier, in its earliest phase of global strategy, had already aimed to export a brand identity, with a dedication to outstanding quality and the establishment of a significant Chinese brand. This initial dream has not only shaped Haier's trajectory but also embodied the ambition and poise of Chinese enterprises as they navigate the global marketplace.

Over a decade, a collection of ten remarkable individuals will converge to create a dynamic portrait of the GK alumni community. We eagerly anticipate the forthcoming insights from the GK Alumni Talks, as we collectively bear witness to the intellect and grace of our GK alumni.

Click to learn more

Contact us

010 - 62747151

010 - 62747158

[e-mail]

Scan the QR code to make an enquiry

  Click “Read more” to make a program enquiry.