Lubrizol boosts APAC team, eyes regional growth

Specialty chemicals company Lubrizol Corp. announced two significant leadership appointments in the critical Asia Pacific growth region.

Henry Liu joins Lubrizol from Honeywell Energy & Sustainability Solutions (ESS) Asia Pacific, where he was vice president and general manager. Liu will assume the role of Lubrizol vice president, Asia Pacific, leading Lubrizol’s pan-company Asia Pacific management team. Ping Zhu, who has three decades of experience in Lubrizol’s Additives business in both commercial and technical roles, is appointed vice president, Lubrizol Additives APAC.

Liu has broad expertise in heading business units within multinational corporations while delivering profitable growth. He has led businesses that supply the automotive, chemical, oil and gas industries. As VP, Liu is responsible for developing strategies that drive differential regional growth and align with Lubrizol’s local-for-local strategy. Liu holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in science from South China University of Technology.

Zhu’s extensive academic qualifications include a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University, an MBA from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in polymer science from Nanjing University in China. Zhu has also served on the board of F+L Week and the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI). As vice president, Lubrizol Additives APAC, Zhu will seek new growth opportunities in the industrial and transportation markets. Previously, Zhu was senior technology director at Lubrizol Additives APAC.

In a media release, Lubrizol emphasized that the new appointments demonstrate its ongoing commitment to growth in the Asia Pacific region and are part of its efforts to invest in regional talent and capability. “The Asia Pacific region is a critical Lubrizol growth region. The continued dynamic development of the market requires faster decision-making and agility in the region,” said JT Jones, Lubrizol senior vice president, High Growth Regions.

In addition to talent, Lubrizol is enhancing its presence in the APAC region. The company highlighted expanded capacity at multiple sites in the region, the building of a Future Mobility Center of Excellence, greater investment in regional supply and R&D, and the development of a Shanghai, China-based skincare research center.