The new CEO of a global Italian brand has made Shanghai a top strategic priority, citing both business opportunities and a personal connection to the city, as he looks to expand in China's vast market.
As Shanghai continues to strengthen its position as China's financial hub and a springboard for global newcomers exploring the country's vast market, the city has attracted more than 1,000 multinational corporations to establish their regional headquarters.
Among them is Italian notebook brand Moleskine. Its newly appointed global CEO, Christophe Archaimbault, underscored Shanghai's importance by making a visit to the company's China headquarters one of his first actions in the role.
Despite having lived in the city for five years, Archaimbault still found Shanghai full of vitality and energy, and was struck by its rapid changes.
"What I found is that I think new parts of the city have been refurbished, like somewhere back here. I don't know; I found the city still very dynamic; I don't know why, but it’s even better, than what I remember from Shanghai," he said.
Archaimbault shared his perspective on Moleskine's development in China. Although digital devices have replaced notebooks in many scenarios, he maintains that writing with a real pen offers a more unique and inspiring experience than using keyboards or touchpads.
Last year, China's Ministry of Education issued a notice to strengthen calligraphy skills among students -- a move that Archaimbault deeply appreciates.
"The sales could be better. We know that China's economy has been a little slowing down. We've seen the impact of it. But it was manageable. And I think in the current time, on top is the questions asking about digital and less people writing. It's important to encourage people to go back to writing. The Chinese government is actually extremely active in that," he said.
When discussing future plans, Archaimbault and his company have high expectations for the Chinese market, and he showed great enthusiasm for being directly involved in the company's operations in China.
"I chose Shanghai for professional and for personal reasons. Professional because, Shanghai is a priority for Moleskine. And for personal reasons, because I've been living here for five years, and it's the city I love," he said.
CEO of Italian brand makes Shanghai priority, calls it "the city I love"
