I’ve known Thomas for almost 28 years, I’ve started to work with him and his Ringier-Team in Hanoi ever since he first set foot to Vietnam.
My initial role, with my background and working experience at the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry, was to introduce Thomas to Vietnam with it’s rich culture and also it’s red tape challenges. From the very start Thomas impressed and encouraged me to create business opportunities, which were facilitated under the Doi Moi (renovation) government policies. Thomas is a visionary, he is patient and always gets matters done, despite myriad challenges, with partners and authorities – we dug ourselves through it.
From a humble beginning with a set-up team of three people in 1993, Ringier is today, as the only accredited foreign publisher, tied into the Business Cooperation Contracts with local publishers; the company prospered and became a stand-alone legal entity with different business units under Ringier’s umbrella thanks to Thomas’s relentless effort and encouragement. I am grateful to Thomas for his guidance throughout my career with Ringier. And for his open mind plus, at times, his “out of the ordinary business ideas”, which were, nevertheless, realized until today (mostly).
