Johnson Controls names Susan Hughes Asia Pacific chief

Johnson Controls has appointed Susan Hughes as Vice President and President, Asia Pacific, placing her on the company's executive committee and reporting line to Chief Executive Officer Joakim Weidemanis.

Hughes succeeds Anu Rathninde, who is set to leave the company at the end of February. Johnson Controls said Rathninde made strong contributions in the region.

The move comes as Johnson Controls positions Asia Pacific as a central region in its wider business strategy. The company described the region as a significant growth opportunity.

Weidemanis linked the appointment to the company's approach to execution in the region.

"As we continue to operationalize our enterprise strategy, the Asia Pacific region represents a significant growth opportunity," said Joakim Weidemanis, CEO, Johnson Controls. "With her deep expertise in the region and strong record of leading teams, operations and customer engagement, across the region, Susan is well positioned to strengthen our execution, deliver even greater value for our customers, enable our people to do so and ultimately accelerate growth."

Weidemanis also addressed Rathninde's departure. "I want to thank Anu for his dedication and contributions to Johnson Controls over the last few years and wish him well," said Weidemanis.

Regional remit

Johnson Controls said Hughes will take responsibility for the Asia Pacific region at a time when multinational industrial and building technology companies continue to reassess supply chains, service footprints and sales coverage across the area. Many companies have also increased attention on recurring revenue tied to maintenance and lifecycle services, alongside new system installations.

Johnson Controls operates in building systems and related services. It has positioned its portfolio around what it calls smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. The company did not provide additional details in the announcement on changes to its regional structure or business priorities under Hughes.

Hughes brings more than 20 years of experience inthe  Asia Pacific from Emerson. Her most recent role at Emerson was President of Asia Pacific for Emerson Automation Solutions. Johnson Controls said she delivered sustained growth across diverse markets in the region. The company cited commercial execution and lifecycle services as part of that work.

Johnson Controls said Hughes has worked across sales, marketing, service, engineering and manufacturing. That breadth can matter for regional presidents in industrial companies, where leaders often manage both commercial teams and operational sites, alongside customer service organisations.

Career background

Hughes spent two decades at Emerson and held leadership roles across multiple businesses in the region, according to the company. Johnson Controls did not identify the specific countries where she has worked or the locations she will be based from in the new role.

Her experience spans functions that often sit in separate reporting lines in global groups. Johnson Controls highlighted sales and marketing, which typically cover new customer acquisition and account management. It also pointed to service, a function that in building systems can include maintenance contracts, repairs and upgrades. The company also referenced engineering and manufacturing, which can shape delivery times and product localisation in the Asia Pacific markets.

Johnson Controls also drew attention to Hughes' language skills. It said she is conversant in English and Mandarin Chinese.

On education, Johnson Controls said Hughes holds an MBA from Washington University's Olin School of Business. It said she also holds dual bachelor's degrees in mathematics and Mandarin Chinese from Grinnell College.

Leadership change

The appointment places Hughes on Johnson Controls' executive committee. Johnson Controls said she will report directly to Weidemanis. Such reporting lines can signal a more direct link between regional performance and corporate decision-making.

Johnson Controls did not name Rathninde's next role or say whether it plans an internal or external search for other leadership positions tied to his departure. It also did not provide further information on how responsibilities will be handed over during the transition period.

Johnson Controls framed the appointment as part of its enterprise strategy. The company also described the Asia Pacific region as a key market. The announcement did not include financial targets, investment levels or guidance tied to the leadership change.

Hughes' arrival follows a period in which global industrial groups have faced mixed conditions across the Asia Pacific markets. Some countries have seen stronger demand for energy efficiency upgrades and modern building management systems, while others have faced slower construction activity. Companies have also faced different regulatory and procurement environments across the region, which can shape product rollouts and service models.

Johnson Controls did not comment on market conditions in individual Asia Pacific countries. The company did not disclose whether it expects changes in hiring, manufacturing footprint, or partner strategy in the region following Hughes' appointment.

Hughes will take over the role as Rathninde departs at the end of February, with Johnson Controls continuing to describe Asia Pacific as a significant growth opportunity in its enterprise strategy.