John Zhu appointed President of Wärtsilä in China

Wärtsilä has appointed Mr John Zhu as President of Wärtsilä China from January 1st, 2009.

John Zhu has significant experience in leading and developing industrial business operations, his most recent appointment having been as Country Manager for Eaton Truck & Bus Components in Shanghai, China, a position he has held since 2005. Eaton Corporation is a diversified industrial manufacturer headquartered in the USA. He has also held other managerial positions in the automotive industry and in the consultancy business, both in China and in the USA.

Mr Clas-Eirik Strand, the current President of the company, will retire on February 28th, 2009, when he reaches his retirement age.

Wärtsilä has been present in China since 1986 through its fully owned subsidiary, Wartsila China Ltd, and through long-term license agreements. During recent years, Wärtsilä has begun the production of propulsion and engines at its subsidiary and joint venture companies' plants. In 2007, Wärtsilä opened a large new reconditioning workshop in Shanghai. Altogether, the company currently has approximately 1600 employees in its subsidiary and joint venture companies, located in Shanghai, Dalian, Guangzhou, Beijing, Hong Kong, Panyu, Wuxi, Zhenjiang and Qingdao.