Fresh approach brings rewards

Strategic thinking, clear vision give Fu Chengyu an edge over peers

At first glance, Fu Chengyu hardly looks like the top executive of a multi-billion dollar Chinese energy giant that is making a name for itself with its global deals. With his thick eyebrows, dark skin and old-fashioned jacket, the 63-year-old Fu hardly looks like the top executive of the 605 billion yuan ($97 billion) China Petroleum and Chemical Corp or Sinopec Group.

But appearances can often be deceptive, something that I realized after dozens of interactions with him at various forums. The genial and affable Fu has insights and vision on what the energy industry needs to do for achieving sustainable growth in China.