About Erik
Erik is a leader in our Strategy practice in Asia and directs our work in innovation globally. He is one of the firm’s foremost experts on matters related to innovation and its critical components, including innovation strategy, new-product development, business-model creation, open innovation, culture change, and R&D management. He also has extensive expertise in marketing, having led many projects around the world focused on marketing strategy, brand building, marketing organization design, and capability building.
Based in Shanghai, Erik works with Asia-based companies as well as leading multinational corporations. He serves clients in range of industries across both Asia and North America-- including high tech, telecom, consumer goods and retail.
In 2004, Erik co-authored the book Seeing What’s Next: Using the Theories of Innovation to Predict Industry Change, which introduced a set of tools for companies to use in setting innovation strategy, pursuing disruptive innovation, and managing complex innovation systems. He is the author of several articles on R&D and innovation as well as the unique challenges facing China.
Prior to joining McKinsey in 2000, Erik was part of the team that created OnStar, the in-vehicle security and communication system.
Published work
“A CEO's guide to innovation in China,” McKinsey Quarterly, February 2012
“Innovating in China's automotive market: An interview with GM China's president,” McKinsey Quarterly, February 2012
“Three snapshots of Chinese innovation,” McKinsey Quarterly, February 2012
“Reinventing innovation at consumer goods companies,” McKinsey Quarterly, November 2006
Seeing What's Next: Using the Theories of Innovation to Predict Industry Change, Harvard Business Press Books, 2004
Past experience
| OnStar |
Head of marketing and product development |
| Marketing Corporation of America |
Consultant |
Education
| Harvard Business School |
MBA |
| Middlebury College |
BA (International Politics, Economics) |