Big Cat on the prowl for more market share

What has been your company's biggest achievement in the China market?

October marked the first anniversary of a defining achievement: Opening our inaugural overseas manufacturing facility in China. The event took place in October 2014, but was the result of much careful planning and hard work over the five years since we first established a presence in China.

However, for me personally, our biggest achievement has come through the work of our China Children & Youth Dream Fund.

In partnership with the China Youth Development Foundation, we have worked with local communities to launch two Hope Schools in earthquake-affected Ya'an and Zhaotong.

How do you motivate your international team?

I am privileged to oversee a workforce which understands the business and brands that they work for. They motivate me! In our biannual employee survey, nine out of 10 employees said that they are proud to work for Jaguar Land Rover－and I am one of them.

We are passionate about our business as we seize opportunities to build something exceptional in China. I was in complete agreement with UK Prime Minister David Cameron when he said during the recent state visit of President Xi that: "I am clear that the UK is China's best partner in the West－and that this is in both our national interests."

In a practical way, our team is playing their part in the Belt and Road Initiative, reinvigorating the trading traditions which have linked Europe to China for more than 1,000 years. There are few moments like this in one's career where you genuinely get to build something from the ground up.

What do you think about the Chinese Dream? What dreams do you have for your company in China?

The Chinese Dream is a powerful idea which at its heart is about working together to make a better life for everyone, to spread prosperity and strengthen society.

We will support the dream in the best way we know－by taking a long-term view and commitment to China. Our plan is for sustainable, long-term growth hand in hand with China and the communities in which we operate.

I am also impressed by the Made in China 2025 initiative. This adopts the Industry 4.0 model of smart, efficient and fully networked manufacturing driven by sophisticated technologies, shared between manufacturers, suppliers, business partners and customers. We share the Chinese government's interest in helping China progress from a volume manufacturer to a leader in producing innovative technologies.

What is your business philosophy?

Jaguar Land Rover's philosophy and practice are to take a responsible, innovative and sustainable approach to providing customers with an experience that they will love, for life.

We seek to differentiate ourselves through customer-centricity, innovation, entrepreneurship, trustworthiness and value-driven business operations.