Johnson Controls has appointed Susan Hughes (pictured) as Vice President and President, Asia Pacific, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region as a key growth market in its global strategy.
Hughes will report to Johnson Controls chief executive officer Joakim Weidemanis and joins the company’s executive committee. She succeeds Anu Rathninde, who will depart at the end of February following a period of strong performance and leadership across the Asia Pacific region.
Hughes brings more than 20 years of experience in Asia Pacific, joining Johnson Controls from Emerson, where she most recently served as President of Asia Pacific for Emerson Automation Solutions. Her background spans sales, marketing, service, engineering and manufacturing, providing deep operational expertise across complex, multi-market environments.
Fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, Hughes holds an MBA from Washington University’s Olin School of Business, as well as dual bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and Mandarin Chinese from Grinnell College.
Weidemanis said the appointment comes as Johnson Controls continues to execute its enterprise strategy, with Asia Pacific representing a significant growth opportunity. He said Hughes’ regional experience and proven ability to lead teams, operations and customer engagement across diverse markets position her well to strengthen execution, deliver greater customer value and accelerate growth.
The appointment underscores Johnson Controls’ long-term commitment to Asia Pacific, which remains a central pillar of the company’s global growth strategy focused on smart, healthy and sustainable buildings.
