Interview of the month: Run Zhang, Country Manager China

1/ Hi Run, could you introduce yourself in a few words?

Of Chinese origin, I arrived in France in 2005. Before I worked at Lengow, I worked in an online advertising agency in Paris. I was also a guest professor at the University of Cergy-Pontoise giving courses in web-marketing and e-commerce. I started my adventure at Lengow in March 2017 as Country Manager China.

2/ A typical day at Lengow?

As Country Manager China, I am responsible for the team’s revenue growth. My day starts very early. The 7-hour time difference between France and China, means that it is necessary to synchronise our working hours with our prospects. Prospecting is done not only over the phone, but also via QQ and WeChat. I prioritize prospecting in the morning, then I do the rest of my missions in the afternoon. For example, you’ll rarely find me in a morning meeting.

3/ What project(s) are you currently working on?

We do not work on projects but on objectives. For example, with the Chinese New Year approaching, we must achieve these objectives early since Chinese online retailers will be on holiday in February.

4/ Tell us about the impact of the Chinese New Year on e-commerce?

It is exactly the same as Christmas and New Year holidays in the Western world. The period before the Chinese New Year is synonymous with consumption. The turnover of online merchants is higher and logistics is in high demand. From New Year’s Day (February 5), the frenzy subsides as everyone is on holiday. Official holidays last 7 days, depending on the business. This leave is mandatory for everyone, but it is possible to extend this period to one month.

5/ The latest e-commerce news that marked you?

Jeff Bezos’ divorce? I’m kidding, of course. The news that caught my attention was the implementation on January 1st, 2019 of China’s new e-commerce law which improves the regulation of this market. This law aims to regulate online activities. It will be a few months before we get initial feedback on the impact of the legislation.

6/ What kind of e-shopper are you?

I am a very loyal consumer. When I discover a website, that works well for me, I go back. For example, more than 80% of my online spending takes place on two e-commerce websites where I buy almost everything: clothes, beauty products, shoes, baby products, homemade goods, even my wedding ring. I find a wide variety of brands and I refine my basket little by little to find what suits me best.

7/ Lengow in 3 words?

Dynamic, international, successful.