He didn’t just join a company – he helped launch a legacy. As the first ETEL representative in China and now Sales Manager Electronics at DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN (CHINA), Chuanyao Jiang – known as «Jeans» – has become a key player in shaping high-tech industry solutions in Asia. His journey blends engineering knowledge, leadership, cultural fluency and personal passion.
From Mechanical Design to Market Development
Jeans’ journey into the electronics industry began with a clear technical foundation.
«I majored in mechanical design and automation in college, and have been working in the field of automation equipment since graduation,» he says. His admiration for HEIDENHAIN started long before joining the company. «HEIDENHAIN has always been an essential component of high-end equipment. After the interview, I saw that it was not only about precision, but also about promoting industry development and enhancing employee happiness. That gave me a real sense of satisfaction.»
The First of His Kind – Building the ETEL Brand in China
One of Jeans’ proudest milestones is being the first ETEL employee in China. At the time, the brand was virtually unknown in the local market. «Chinese customers hadn’t even heard of ETEL. We spent years promoting our products, educating the market – and now, when it comes to high-end motion control, ETEL is top of mind.» This kind of growth takes more than sales tactics. It takes trust, patience, and a deep understanding of both the product and the customer’s world.
Chuanyao (Jeans) Jiang, Sales Manager EL at DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN (CHINA)
«We spent years promoting our products, educating the market – and now, when it comes to high-end motion control, ETEL is top of mind.»
Sales as Solution – and Leadership as Coordination
In his current role as Sales Manager Electronics, Jeans does far more than drive numbers. «In HEIDENHAIN China, sales managers are also managing technical application teams. So I’m more of a project manager. My job is to make sure customer projects succeed, our team learns, and the company grows in expertise. That’s deeply fulfilling.»
Teamwork is central to his work philosophy: «Salespeople think they’re the key. Technicians think they’re the key. I believe both are right – and bringing them together is my responsibility.» This mindset helps in bridging departments, orchestrating international collaboration, and maintaining strong customer relations.
Chuanyao (Jeans) Jiang, Sales Manager EL at DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN (CHINA)
“I treasure holidays with family and friends – especially with a busy travel schedule.»
The Personal Side – Balance, Sports and Family
Behind the professional success lies a grounded personality. Jeans knows that physical and mental well-being are essential to perform at his best. «I enjoy multi-person sports like basketball. And I treasure holidays with family and friends – especially with a busy travel schedule.»
His approach to life is captured by a quote from ancient Chinese philosophy: «A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Doing every small thing well will lead to great success.» And he certainly lives by it – day after day, project after project.
Vision, Culture and Advice for the Future
Jeans sees cultural understanding as a key to global success: «Knowing the values and work styles of international colleagues helps avoid misunderstandings and drive cross-border projects forward.»
For young professionals entering technical sales, his advice is clear: «Build your technical foundation, simplify complex ideas, focus on the customer, pay attention to detail, and be brave enough to learn by doing.»
And if you ever find yourself in China with a free weekend? «Visit Yangshuo for bamboo rafting, Zhangjiajie for the Avatar-like landscape, or the Old Town of Lijiang for ancient culture and architecture.»