Nicholas Lee

A passion for business, travel, and culture has led Nicholas Lee on the path to General Manager for Personal Health, Philips ASEAN Pacific, based in Singapore.

"I always knew that I wanted to see the world and meet people of different cultures, and to work for a company that has a meaningful impact on people’s lives," says Nicholas.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Commence and Administration majoring in Marketing, Nicholas headed for Italy. He worked for various family-owned and listed companies, including the De'Longhi Group and Candy-Hoover Group, before joining the troubled Italian Espresso machine maker, Saeco, as the Commercial Director for Europe.

"The turnaround assignment was an incredibly intense but rewarding experience, and a very large stretch in my management capabilities. We succeeded for the private equity owners. The company was sold to Philips and I was offered to move to the company’s headquarters in Amsterdam as Vice President Marketing Domestic Appliances."

In this initial role in Philips, Nicholas established a digital communications team, spearheading global launches of key health technology innovations such as the Airfryer, focused on the healthy living.

His next assignment was back in Italy, leading the Espresso Business Unit, a global manufacturing, innovation and development site.

"This was another step-change in my management learning: in lean manufacturing and a six-sigma approach to innovation, design, and development."

At the same time, the organisational footprint underwent a major re-structuring, and Nicholas was head negotiator with unions and government ministers.

"Ultimately, we were successful, securing the future of the site and driving growth and improvement across all business indicators."

Now based in Singapore, Nicholas leads the overall strategy, direction and management of the personal health business in 14 countries across the region, including New Zealand.

"Philips is a world leader in health technology, and I feel proud to work for a company that believes in a healthier, more sustainable world: possible through innovation, data, and connectivity."