Founders

Three founders based in Shanghai with complementary strengths across law, commercial growth, and brand building.

Johannes Weilharter

Senior Associate, Schulz Noack Bärwinkel, Asia Practice (Shanghai)

Johannes is a Shanghai based foreign lawyer with deep experience across China related transactions. His work covers corporate, FDI, IP, labour, trade law, compliance as well as dispute resolution with a focus on tech & automotive industry. Johannes has furthermore deep experience in construction, real estate and public procurement. He has held senior legal roles across international firms and enterprises, including Asia Pacific regional counsel responsibilities. At The Network, Johannes sets standards, safeguards confidentiality, and supports members with a disciplined approach to trust and professional conduct.

Focus areas:

Corporate, in particular FDI and M&A
Registration, protection and execution of intellectual property rights
Labour law
Trade law and international trade
Compliance
Construction law, real estate and public procurement

Axel Kruse

Founder and Principal, Griffin (Shanghai) Business Consulting

Axel is a German executive and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of leadership experience in China. Based in China since 2002, he has built deep expertise in consumer goods, brand development, sales, business development, and omnichannel retail. He has held senior leadership roles at Metro Cash & Carry China, C&A China, Groupe Beaumanoir, Adidas Group China, Global Brands Group China, ATG Brands Management, and Asambeauty, where he led large commercial organizations and supported the growth of international brands in the Chinese market.

Today, Axel is the founder of Griffin (Shanghai) Business Consulting Co., Ltd., advising international brands, brand management companies, and consumer goods businesses on China market entry and expansion.

Focus areas:

Licensing, market entry, and go to market execution
Omni channel growth, retail operations, P&L leadership
Partner sourcing, deal shaping, commercial validation
Cross cultural leadership and operating rhythm

Zenon Pagliero

Marketing Manager, LEUCHTTURM1917 (Shanghai)

Zenon is a Shanghai based marketing and brand growth professional with a multicultural background across China, Asia, and Europe. He builds growth channels in China through partnerships, corporate gifting, retail development, and co branding initiatives, combining business development with hands on marketing execution. Fluent in Mandarin, English, and German, he bridges cultures and translates brand positioning into local relevance without losing global standards. At The Network, Zenon runs event experience and community engagement, ensuring consistency, quality, and long term member retention.

Focus areas:

Brand growth in China, partnerships, co branding, events
Content localisation and cross functional execution
Community experience, retention, and member touchpoints
Cross cultural communication in China contexts