As the President Director and Country Holding Officer of ABB Indonesia, Gerard Chan embodies a leadership style that blends vision, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Under his guidance, ABB Indonesia has steadily grown into a critical player in driving the country’s industrial development while maintaining a strong focus on sustainable practices.
Sustainable Leadership
What makes Gerard's leadership distinctive is his holistic approach. He believes that sustainable business practices must encompass environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This philosophy extends beyond corporate boundaries—Gerard is actively engaged in encouraging a culture of sustainability, both within ABB and the broader community.
Through partnerships with local governments, businesses, and educational institutions, Gerard has fostered an ecosystem where innovation meets sustainability. His leadership is a beacon for future generations, emphasizing that profitability can—and must—go hand in hand with environmental responsibility.
Leadership that Encourages Innovation
As the President Director and Country Holding Officer of ABB Indonesia, Gerard Chan exemplifies a modern leader driven by purpose and strategic vision. His leadership is a reflection of ABB’s strong values—courageous leadership, accountability, innovation, and sustainability. Through these principles, Gerard is not only steering ABB Indonesia toward success but also embedding the company’s operations in the larger framework of sustainable development.
At the heart of ABB’s leadership is innovation, a value that resonates deeply with Gerard Chan. Under his direction, ABB Indonesia has become a catalyst for ground-breaking advancements in energy, automation, and digital solutions. Gerard recognizes that fostering an innovative culture is key to maintaining ABB’s competitive edge in Indonesia’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
“We believe that innovation is the backbone of progress. At ABB, we constantly challenge ourselves to think ahead, designing solutions that meet the needs of the present while preparing for the challenges of the future,” Gerard explains. From energy-efficient technologies to automation systems that streamline production processes, ABB is revolutionizing industries, thanks to Gerard’s focus on fostering creativity and technological advancement.
Accountability as a Cornerstone of Leadership
Accountability is a leadership value that drives trust and operational excellence within ABB. Gerard places great emphasis on leaders and teams taking full ownership of their actions and decisions. This sense of responsibility creates an environment where goals are clearly defined, results are measured rigorously, and each employee is empowered to contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.
“Accountability is essential for building a strong foundation of trust, both internally and with our clients. It ensures that every decision we make, every solution we develop, is done with integrity and the utmost professionalism,” says Gerard.
Through his commitment to accountability, Gerard ensures that ABB Indonesia operates efficiently, delivering high-quality services and products to its customers while maintaining ethical business practices.
Championing Sustainability at ABB Indonesia
Gerard’s leadership goes beyond traditional business success. His commitment to sustainability has become the cornerstone of ABB’s operations in Indonesia. Sustainability is not just a buzzword at ABB; it is a driving force behind the company’s long-term vision.
Under Gerard Chan’s leadership, ABB Indonesia has embraced sustainability at every level—from internal operations to the solutions they offer clients. Gerard has been instrumental in aligning ABB’s Indonesian operations with global sustainability goals, particularly in promoting clean energy, reducing carbon footprints, and driving social responsibility initiatives.
In Indonesia, ABB remains committed to promoting energy-efficient solutions, reducing carbon footprints in industrial and infrastructural projects, and working closely with clients to meet green energy targets. ABB Indonesia’s sustainable practices have earned the company recognition as a leader in green energy solutions, helping businesses and industries transition toward renewable energy and resource-efficient technologies.
Gerard’s strategic initiatives have led the company toward aligning its operations with global sustainable development goals (SDGs) and supporting the country’s transition to renewable energy sources. “Our goal is to build a future where industrial development can coexist with environmental stewardship. Sustainability isn’t just about cutting emissions; it’s about rethinking how we do business—creating value while minimizing environmental impact,” Gerard notes.
Fostering a Collaborative and Inclusive Culture
Gerard also champions collaboration and diversity as key drivers of ABB’s innovation and sustainability goals. ABB’s leadership values emphasize the importance of working together across regions and functions to share knowledge and inspire creativity. By promoting diversity and inclusion, Gerard ensures that ABB harnesses a wide range of perspectives and talents, leading to more comprehensive and impactful solutions.
“We are stronger when we work together, and diversity is one of our greatest strengths. By embracing different viewpoints, we’re able to innovate and lead in ways that set us apart in the industry,” Gerard adds.
Global Perspective and Strong Educational Foundation
Gerard’s global career is supported by his strong educational background. He holds an MBA from RMIT University, and the University of Melbourne, Australia - a prestigious institution known for producing leaders in business and finance. Additionally, Gerard is a Fellow of CPA Australia, which underscores his deep expertise in finance and accounting. His international experience and global perspective allow him to understand diverse markets and navigate the complexities of managing a multinational operation like ABB.
Building a Sustainable Legacy for Indonesia Through his adherence to ABB’s core leadership values, Gerard Chan is shaping ABB Indonesia into a company that not only thrives financially but also contributes positively to the environment and society. His forward-thinking leadership and commitment to sustainability are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future for both ABB and Indonesia.
As ABB continues to grow under Gerard’s leadership, it serves as a model of how businesses can succeed by integrating innovation, accountability, and sustainability into their core operations—creating value for stakeholders and the planet.
A Passion for Golf and Balance
While his professional life revolves around steering ABB Indonesia to sustainable growth through innovation, Gerard finds balance through his family and his love for golf. An avid golfer, he enjoys the game as a way to recharge and reflect. "Golf and my daughter teach patience and focus, two qualities that are essential both in the boardroom and on the course," Gerard shares.
The sport allows him to stay grounded, providing a space where he can think whether it's about the next swing or the next big project. Through golf, Gerard has found an outlet that complements his leadership journey, blending focus, precision, and strategy. Gerard’s leadership at ABB Indonesia is a testament to how strong values, when put into action, can drive sustainable innovation and long-term success in a rapidly changing world.
Note: the leadership profile of Gerard Chan has been published in several top-tier media. The news links are provided after this article.
