New cross-Business Group leadership platform to accelerate transformation, execution and sustainable growth in China
At the conclusion of the 2026 Management Summit in China, Freudenberg announced the establishment of the China Transformation Council (CTC), a new cross-Business Group leadership platform designed to accelerate transformation, strengthen competitiveness and help Freudenberg capture growth opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. With more than 7,000 employees in over 80 locations, including 30 production sites, China is an important market and operating region for Freudenberg.
Why the CTC, and why now?
China is no longer simply following global competition. In many sectors, Chinese companies are setting benchmarks for innovation, customer centricity, cost competitiveness and speed of execution.
Freudenberg already has strong examples of local innovation, competitive local value creation and empowered leadership in China. However, individual success stories alone are not enough. A more coordinated approach is needed to address competitiveness gaps, share capabilities across Business Groups and turn opportunities into results more quickly.
The CTC will provide the leadership platform for this work, helping Freudenberg move from isolated initiatives toward a coordinated transformation agenda for China.
“The China Transformation Council is being established to accelerate decisions and execution. China is one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive markets, and it offers valuable lessons in customer centricity, innovation, speed and entrepreneurship. By bringing leaders together across Business Groups, we can identify opportunities faster, learn from one another, and turn insights into actions that strengthen Freudenberg’s long-term competitiveness”, said Claus Moehlenkamp, CEO Freudenberg Group at the event.
Mandate and setup
The CTC will bring together senior representatives from Freudenberg’s Business Groups and regional organization in China. It will work in close alignment with the Executive Council and with mentorship from the Board of Management, ensuring visible executive sponsorship, strategic guidance and organizational commitment.
Lion Li, Executive Vice President Consumer, Regional Head APAC and President China of FFT, will serve as the inaugural Chair, with Lilian Wang, Head of FRCC China, as Vice Chair. The Chair will rotate annually among the Council members.
The other members of the Council are Jin Kyu Han (Vibracoustic), Mingxi Huang (NFC), Edmund Lam (Freudenberg Sealing Technologies), Bing Liu (Freudenberg Filtration Technologies), Jonathan Oh (Freudenberg Performance Materials), Kelly Tung (Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions) and Donna Lam (Freudenberg Chemical Specialities).
The cross-Business Group structure is intended to combine local market knowledge with Freudenberg’s global capabilities and strengthen collaboration across organizational boundaries.
From priorities to business impact
The CTC is intended to be a platform for action, not an additional reporting layer. It will help Freudenberg identify where coordinated action can create greater value than individual initiatives, for example, by developing a China strategy or addressing emerging opportunities such as humanoid robotics, where several Business Groups may contribute complementary technologies and market capabilities.
By setting priorities, aligning resources and tracking execution, the Council aims to enable faster decisions, stronger cross-Business Group collaboration, clearer accountability and sustainable growth.
First-year focus
During its first year, the CTC will confirm its mandate and decision rights, define Freudenberg’s China 2030 ambition and common success factors, assess key competitiveness gaps, prioritize cross-Business Group initiatives and track progress through a shared scorecard. Progress and priorities will be reviewed with the Executive Council at key milestones.
Transformation is a shared responsibility
The Council will provide structure, focus and coordination, but transformation cannot be delivered by the council alone. Success will depend on leaders across Freudenberg actively contributing expertise, challenging established assumptions, supporting cross-Business Group initiatives and taking ownership of execution.
The establishment of the CTC marks an important step in Freudenberg’s China journey. Its ambition is to combine the best of Freudenberg’s global strengths with the best of China’s innovation and entrepreneurial energy, helping Freudenberg grow in China and learn how to compete successfully in the future.
