Renate H. Sattler
Strategic C-level China expertise on call
Degree in Business Sinology
What is the "Applied Business Languages Chinese" degree program?
The degree course “Applied Business Languages and International Business Management” with a focus on Chinese at Bremen University of Applied Sciences provides students with a sound knowledge of Chinese language, culture and business. Students not only acquire language skills at a high level, but also learn about the special features of the Chinese economic and legal system. Internships and semesters abroad provide direct insights into the Chinese working world and promote intercultural understanding.
What does the title "Diplom Wirtschaftssinologin" mean?
The title “Diplom Wirtschaftssinologin” (Diploma in Business Sinology) characterizes an expert who combines business competence with in-depth China know-how. I have a good command of the Chinese language, understand cultural customs and am able to professionally network the German and Chinese business worlds. This makes me a key figure for companies that want to cooperate successfully with China or gain a foothold in the Chinese market.
Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA
Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA: Excellence for global business management
The Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA program is one of the world’s most renowned management training programs for executives. A collaboration between the Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University, USA) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the 18-month part-time program is designed for experienced leaders who want to combine international perspectives with analytical depth. The program provides state-of-the-art management, strategy and leadership skills with a special focus on the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration of top faculty from both universities, a global alumni network and study groups from different industries creates a unique, hands-on learning environment.
For my clients and myself, this degree means the highest management qualification, strategic thinking at a global level and intercultural competence. My clients benefit from sound methods, innovative strength and direct access to global business trends, especially in Asian business. My training guarantees solutions that combine international standards and local know-how at the highest level.
International manager in Asian trade: Renate H. Sattler
Experienced business sinologist, interim COO and networker
35 years of building bridges between Europe and China in society, business and politics
I am a graduate business sinologist with extensive management experience as interim COO, interim manager, consultant and keynote speaker, specializing in international trade between Europe and China. I have been involved in trade with Asia for more than 35 years, including 16 years in China and 5 years in Singapore as a C-level manager.
As Chief Operations Officer with international experience, I have managed complex projects at the interface of people, business and politics and have an extensive network that extends to the highest political levels. My focus is particularly on bilateral exchange and business development between Europe and China.
For me, an excellent personal network is crucial for sustainable success. This includes the alumni of the Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA. At central interfaces, I was active on a voluntary basis as Chairwoman of the Board of the German Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK) for South and Southwest China in Guangzhou and as Deputy Chairwoman of the Board of the Greater China Chamber of Commerce Abroad in Beijing. I also founded the German Business Round Table in Guangzhou and was active there as well as in the business network Women in Business for South and Southwest China.
In my functions at the AHK, I received political figures such as the former Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and the former Federal Foreign Minister and later Federal President Frank Walter Steinmeier in China.
Former Federal Foreign Minister / Federal President Frank Walter Steinmeier visiting Chongqing – from right to left Mr. Steinmeier (Former Federal Foreign Minister / Federal President Frank Walter Steinmeier), Matthias Claussen (Managing Director Melchers), Renate H. Sattler (Chief Representative Melchers in Guangzhou and Deputy Chairwoman of the AHK Chamber of Commerce Abroad Greate China in Beijing)
My unique competitive advantages!
- Cultural authenticity: Established as 田蕾 (Tian Lei) in China with fluency in standard Chinese and 21 years of experience in Asia
- C-level credibility: 16 years of operational management experience at the highest management level in China and a further five years in Singapore
- Political authority: Direct links to German and Chinese levels of government
- Chamber of Commerce expertise: Former Chairwoman of the German Chamber of Commerce for South and Southwest China in Guangzhou and the German Chamber of Commerce Greater China in Beijing with an unrivaled industry network
- Academic Excellence: Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (worldwide No. 1 program according to Financial Times)
- Bridge-building DNA: Genuine bicultural competence as a graduate business sinologist and China Interim Manager
Renate, this is exactly what sets you apart from all other consultants for me: you are the only one with a genuine combination of practical China experience, cultural sensitivity and German quality precision. This combination and your incomparable network in both worlds make you so valuable, authentic, credible and always at the highest level for me and my company.
Strategic C-level China expertise on call
Between markets, cultures and systems, I take on operational responsibility when China becomes complex – as a bridge builder, transformation force and trusted sparring partner with cultural intelligence, vision and impact.
Interim COO China: Bridging leadership in crucial phases
Temporary management for transformation, efficiency and stability in China business
External China representative for strategy and market development
Part-time management for sustainable growth in China
China Purchasing Manager for Supplier Networks, Quality & Compliance
From the initial contact phase to successful ZÜS approval
Crisis management & realignment in China business
Operational crisis support & realignment for your China business
Strategic China consultant for German SMEs
Your guide to market success in China – specialized, practical, tailor-made
Intercultural leadership training for German-Chinese cooperation
Connecting cultures. Creating success – your bridge builder training
Supervisory board coaching: China governance
Female leadership: Successful women in China
German Business Round Table
A proven network format is being transferred to the digital world
For many years, the German Business Round Table has stood for sustainable, trusting and practical exchange between representatives of German companies in South and Southwest China. Founded by Renate H. Sattler, former Chairwoman of the Board of the Guangzhou Chamber of Commerce Abroad, this exclusive network brought together business representatives, politicians and experts and built bridges that decisively promoted bilateral trade and cooperation between German companies and Chinese partners.
From classic round table to digital network
The traditional meetings of the German Business Round Table have long been held as face-to-face events in Guangzhou / Canton. They offered space for personal exchange, valuable networking and deep insights into the economic developments in the region. However, needs and opportunities have evolved and so has our format.
From September 15, 2025, a new era will begin under my leadership: The German Business Round Table is going digital! Unlike in the past, the tried and tested format will be published as a monthly newsletter under the title “German Business Round Table – Trade in and with China! ” which bundles exclusive content, insights and the latest news on German-Chinese economic relations. At the same time, the popular live event will be organized as an interactive, Microsoft Teams-based event. This way, we ensure that you can continue to participate in valuable conversations and discussions in an uncomplicated and direct way – no matter where you are.
Future-oriented networking with tradition and personality
This digital transformation in no way means sacrificing personal contact and the spirit of trusting collaboration. Rather, we are focusing on the best of both worlds: professional depth and lively interaction combined with easy accessibility and flexibility in terms of time.
The German Business Round Table therefore remains your exclusive platform for:
- Exchange of experiences and best practices in the German-Chinese business environment
- Discussion of political and economic developments with decision-makers and experts
- Building and maintaining a strong network of people who not only understand China, but actively shape it
Become part of this special community!
It is with great pleasure that I invite you to subscribe to the monthly newsletter “German Business Round Table – Trade in and with China!”. Never miss an important impulse, event or update from the heart of German-Chinese business life. Sign up today and secure your exclusive access:
- Current insights and analyses
- Invitations to live events and exclusive online round tables
- Personal statements and background information from Renate H. Sattler and other guest authors
Voluntary activities
Chamber of Commerce Abroad
Chairwoman of the Board of the AHK Chamber of Commerce Abroad for South and Southwest China in Guangzhou emerita
Chamber of Commerce Abroad
Chamber of Commerce Abroad
Founder and Chairwoman of the German Business Round Table of the AHK for South and Southwest China in Guangzhou / Canton emerita
Business association
Re-founder (in cooperation with the British Chamber of Commerce) and Chairwoman of the business association “Women in Business” for South and Southwest China in Guangzhou / Canton emerita
My biography in: "The Chinese Dream"
The unique success story of 12 Western businesswomen in China
Overview
The book “The Chinese Dream: The Unique Success Stories of Twelve Western Businesswomen in China” tells the inspiring stories of seven female entrepreneurs and five female executives from six different countries who have made extraordinary careers in China. The stories shed light on how these women have successfully taken on the challenges of the Chinese market while building cultural bridges between the Western and Chinese business worlds.
The women portrayed
- Women entrepreneurs & management positions: A total of twelve women are presented: seven led their own companies to success, five became managers of important companies.
- Diversity of origin: The businesswomen portrayed come from six different Western countries, all of whom found their own individual paths to China.
- Example – Renate H. Sattler (née Renate H. Tietjen): One of the best-known protagonists in the book is me, Renate H. Sattler, née Renate H. Tietjen, former Managing Director and Chief Representative of a renowned German trading company in Asia and Chairwoman of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad in South and Southwest China and Beijing. I am presented as a “bridge builder” between European and Chinese markets.
- A special honor: The honor that a Chinese journalist has written a book about Western female managers in China has only been bestowed on me to date, apart from a manager from Siemens. For me as a German manager, this is a special honor and appreciation from China.
Main topics and special features
- Cultural competence: The key success criteria of many of the women portrayed lie in their skillful handling of cultural differences. They combine Western efficiency with an understanding of Chinese traditions.
- Individual motivation: Some of the women deliberately pursued their dream of a career in China, others ended up there by chance and then courageously seized the opportunities that arose.
- Dealing with challenges: For each career, the hurdles and difficulties are highlighted, such as dealing with bureaucratic hurdles, social prejudices or building resilient networks within China.
- Innovation and entrepreneurship: The women show that innovative ideas, a willingness to take risks and the constant pursuit of personal and business development are crucial for success in China.
Book and contexts
The book was written by Chinese journalist Linda Xinrong and published by Zhejiang People’s Publishing House. It vividly highlights how these women not only achieved entrepreneurial success through creativity, adaptability and determination, but also found their own unique paths to personal happiness. In a way, the book tells the “China biography” of each of these women while offering insights into the ever-changing business landscape of the People’s Republic.
Summary
“The Chinese Dream” is an impressive testimony to what is possible when Western businesswomen cleverly combine their skills with Chinese business practice. It is symbolic of the opportunities that China still offers today, but also of the challenges that need to be overcome in order to achieve sustainable success and mediate between cultures.
Special note: The book illustrates how much the combination of cultural know-how, innovative spirit and determination can contribute to success in one of the world’s most dynamic economies.
