Employee Spotlight: Lie Xiao
With extensive experience in transformer engineering, Lie plays a key role in advancing transformer design in the Asia-Pacific region at Weidmann. As Design Manager for Weidmann China and Product Manager for engineered components, he works closely with manufacturers and end users on some of the region’s most demanding projects. We spoke with Lie about his role, his background, and the future of innovation at Weidmann.
Hello Lie, please tell us about your role at Weidmann.
I am the Design Manager for Weidmann China. In this role, I regularly visit the Jiaxing factory to provide technical support for production operations. I also visit the manufacturer and end users from time to time to discuss technical details of current projects. Additionally, I act as Product Manager for the engineered components across the Asia-Pacific region, overseeing products including lead exits, center lead entrances, and Barrierboard. In this capacity, I leverage my technical and market experience to provide strategic insight on product development and application.
How else do you support customers working with power transformers?
I can deliver various technical engineering services related to power transformers directly to our customers. Available services include:
- Customized designs of Weidmann components to meet specific customer requirements
- Collaboration with end users and transformer OEMs on scientific projects for HVAC and HVDC transformers, covering voltages up to 1000 kV AC and 800 kV DC
- OEM facility audits, transformer design reviews, production phase audits, and factory acceptance testing (FAT)
- Failure case analysis for various transformer types
- Technical seminars across the Asia-Pacific region
To further support my technical responsibilities at Weidmann, I am an active member of and contributor to several transformer insulation materials working groups and committees, including those within CIGRE and the Chinese insulation committee.
Where are you based?
I was born in Shanghai, China, and my family and relatives also live here, so I chose my hometown as my base.
What did you do previously?
Before joining Weidmann, I worked for a leading transformer manufacturer in Europe who was one of Weidmann’s most longstanding and loyal partners. At that time, the manufacturer used Weidmann insulation materials exclusively throughout its production workshops, which allowed me to develop a deep familiarity with Weidmann products and their high-performance standards.
I began there with an internship, during which I contributed to several R&D projects and performed 3D CFD simulations as part of my assignments.
Following the internship, I transitioned into the role of transformer designer. I prepared quotations and managed order-related design activities, conducted transformer design and prepared associated technical documentation, and participated in design review meetings with consultants, among other responsibilities.
I gained exposure to various transformer types, including power transformers and shunt reactors, which provided me with a strong technical foundation for my engineering career.
Having worked for a company with more than a century of history, I deeply value the principles of loyalty, stability, and sustainable development—traits I regard as essential in both corporate and professional contexts.
Why did you decide to join Weidmann?
I was motivated to join Weidmann to deepen my expertise in both HVAC and HVDC transformers and to engage in meaningful discussions surrounding design, technology, production, quality, and project management. Additionally, working at Weidmann would allow me to develop valuable new skills in management and in interpersonal communication with customers.
I am honored to be part of Weidmann’s global engineering team—an environment where I consistently feel respected and encouraged to innovate. The company’s long history and heritage have helped me build a comprehensive understanding of our products from multiple perspectives. It is a privilege to support our customers as an insulation material specialist, and I take great satisfaction in contributing my expertise to their projects.
What is the most enjoyable part of your role?
I genuinely value the tangible impact of my work. Whether it’s solving a complex problem for a client, mentoring a junior colleague, or contributing to a project that enhances a process, witnessing a direct and positive outcome is deeply rewarding. This connection between my daily responsibilities and the broader organizational goals gives meaningful purpose to my work.
What I enjoy most is closely tied to that: it’s the continuous learning and the intellectual challenge.
My field evolves rapidly, and this role constantly pushes me out of my comfort zone. I’m surrounded by talented people, and no two challenges are ever the same. That dynamic environment keeps me engaged and curious. It’s the combination of making a difference and growing professionally that I find most fulfilling.
I also greatly value being part of the wider engineering community. Collaborating with individuals who bring diverse perspectives and knowledge from various backgrounds fosters an enriching environment where shared learning and innovation thrive.
What does the future hold for innovation at Weidmann?
The Asia-Pacific region represents a strategically vital market within our global framework. As we enhance our capabilities to align with other regions, research and development, along with robust testing protocols, emerge as critical focus areas. To maintain our strong market position, it is critical to nurture enduring customer relationships, uphold their trust, and reinforce Weidmann’s reputation as the industry leader in insulation materials. Advancing our technical know-how through targeted R&D is essential.
Our R&D initiatives should be structured with both short-term and long-term objectives. These must align with industry trends, be goal-oriented, and directly respond to customer needs. Project scope and targets should be clearly defined to ensure timely and effective completion.
Given that the AP region operates at the world’s highest voltage levels, prioritizing research for Ultra-High Voltage (UHV) applications is crucial. This will not only address immediate technical demands but also refresh and advance the understanding of insulation material performance under these extreme conditions.
The AP market is both dynamic and demanding. Weidmann is committed to maintaining close collaboration with our customers and end-users, ensuring we evolve jointly to meet the region’s unique challenges and opportunities.
What do you do to relax?
It’s essential to have that counterbalance. My approach to relaxation is about disconnecting to recharge. Mentally, I find that getting lost in a good fiction book completely transports me away from work-related thoughts. Physically, I try to spend quality time with my family on the weekend, going for a picnic in the park, or sometimes camping to enjoy nature and soak up the sunshine
