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Rockwell Automation appoints Phillip Zhang as Financial Controller

Rockwell Automation has appointed Phillip Zhang to the role of Financial Controller, South Pacific. Zhang has a thorough understanding of Rockwell Automation business, coupled with extensive finance experience. These skills will help him implement the tools and strategies necessary to maximise the business opportunities in the region.

Previously based in Shanghai, China, overseeing the finance activities of two principal manufacturing sites and also leading the business management of the Global Command and Indication business, Zhang believes he has the knowledge and understanding required to provide accurate financial reporting, insightful business decision support, compliance and control. The move to Australia will allow Zhang to concentrate on his strengths as an active business partner and increase his exposure to cross cultural team management.

The key challenge will be to provide the company with insightful analysis of the company’s business operation and performance in relation to the current economic climate. “It is important that as a company, we do not isolate our financial results from our business operations and overall economic environment. Our team is responsible for the information the senior management and key stakeholders need, to make wise decisions,” said Zhang. “Australia was fortunate not to have suffered significantly during the global financial crisis, but we need to be sensitive to the economic environment and make the appropriate choices to grow our business.”

“I hope to bring to the role a deeper understanding of business operations in the Asia Pacific region. This is not just in finance but in products, manufacturing, business development and culture,” he said. “As Rockwell Automation continues to build its Finance Shared Service and Centre of Excellence hubs in the region, I hope to leverage the regional financial resources outside Australia, such as Singapore and China. It is a great challenge and I look forward to assisting in the continued growth of the company.”