Stephan Schmitz

Stephan Schmitz has a diverse work experience spanning different industries and roles. Stephan started their career as a Student Intern at The Lord Mayor's Office: International Affairs in 2004. In 2005, they worked as a Student Intern at MENNEKES Industrial Electric (Nanjing) Co., Ltd. Stephan then joined BSH China (Bosch and Siemens Household Appliance (Nanjing) Co., Ltd.) as a Master Thesis Student, focusing on Chinese Contract Law. From 2009 to 2011, Stephan worked as a Liaison Management Consultant at SANY Europe GmbH, where they played a crucial role in establishing the company's production site in Germany and facilitating collaboration between European and Chinese methods. Stephan joined Prym Consumer Europe GmbH in 2011 as a Senior Sourcing Manager and later served as a Sourcing Director at Prym Consumer Ningbo Co., Ltd. In 2018, Stephan became an In-House Consultant at William Prym Holding GmbH. Stephan then transitioned into the role of Director of Global Project Management (Group Procurement and Supply Chain) and subsequently became the Global Procurement Director at the same company. In 2020, Stephan joined SIHL Group as the Group Procurement Director and later took on the position of Group ESG Director. Currently, they hold the role of Managing Director at Perigon, a subsidiary of the Sihl Group, overseeing operations in Germany, UK, and the US.

Stephan Schmitz obtained a Dipl. Reg. Wiss. degree in Area Studies China: Chinese Law and Economy from the University of Cologne in 2011. Stephan also conducted research as a Visiting Researcher in Chinese Law and Legal Culture at Nanjing University in 2010 and 2008, and in Global Studies (Chinese Economy and Politics) at RMIT University in 2007 and 2006. Additionally, they studied Chinese Language at the China National Academy of Fine Arts from 2004 to 2005. In 1996-1997, Stephan Schmitz participated in a High School Exchange Semester at Greenbrier High School. Stephan has also obtained certifications in various subjects such as Financial Markets, Global Financial Crisis, Project Management, and Leadership Training from prestigious institutions like Yale University and Universität zu Köln.