Michael Zhou
About Michael Zhou
Michael Zhou serves as the Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia Greater China, where he has been instrumental in managing operations and enhancing the company's influence in the region. He has a diverse background in corporate development and business management, with previous roles at General Electric, Honeywell, and General Motors.
Current Role at AirAsia
Michael Zhou serves as the Chief Executive Officer for AirAsia Greater China, a position he has held since 2020. He operates from Guangzhou, China, overseeing the airline's strategic initiatives and business operations in the region. Under his leadership, AirAsia has strengthened its presence in China, managing relationships with various stakeholders including government entities and media.
Previous Experience in Corporate Development
Before his current role at AirAsia, Michael Zhou worked at General Electric as Managing Director of Corporate Development, focusing on mergers and acquisitions from 2008 to 2014 in Shanghai, China. He also held the position of Corporate Development / M&A Director for Honeywell in Asia and China from 2015 to 2018, where he contributed to strategic growth initiatives.
Educational Background
Michael Zhou holds an MBA in Finance and Management Information Systems from Loyola University Chicago, which he completed from 1996 to 1998. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Science from Huazhong University of Science and Technology between 1989 and 1994, and a Master's degree from Donghua University from 2000 to 2003.
Achievements in AirAsia
During his tenure at AirAsia, Michael Zhou successfully managed the airline's operations during the COVID-19 pandemic by adjusting capacity and implementing a corporate social responsibility campaign. He played a significant role in AirAsia's recognition as the largest foreign airline in China, with extensive operations across 30 cities and 90 routes.
Leadership in Business Development
Michael Zhou has a proven track record in managing AirAsia's ecosystem in China, which includes overseeing business partners, regulators, and vendors. He created and launched the Greater China strategic plan 2.0, formulating the annual operating plan and managing the budget to align with the company's objectives.