An Iron Lady of China-Xie Qihua

When I write on women in the business world, I feel proud and elated. These women have set their own horizon! And they are proven pave makers and torch bearers. 'The hand that rocks the cradle will rule the world!' These women have proved it literally. These women of grit must have had something as 'x' factor in them. Let's try to find out what these 'x' factors are? Xie Qihua, is another star woman in the business world. She rose to this position as the biggest steel manufacturer of China. She is highly optimistic about the future of this metal.


One should learn from Xie Qihua, how to keep away personal life from profession. She follows it very stringently. No questions on personal life during the interview. Xie is very happy to answer related to her work area. Especially about Baosteel Group, that has been her brain child.

Xie Qihua is a combination of simplicity, and business strategies. Xie is called as 'iron lady' also. She worked extraordinarily to bring Baosteel Group on international platform for steel. It is her 'no non sense' attitude which has worked for her always positively. Xie Qihua has many titles to her credit. Firstly she is a chair woman of Baosteel Group Corporation, and also she is President of China Iron and Steel Association. Her name has been listed in the 100 most powerful women in the world. She also has got the title as the most powerful business leader of China. Her authentic personality is not going to be unnoticed in the business world.

Xie Qihua comes from Shanghai, and that is her birth place also. Xie worked as a technician at the Shaanxi Steel Plant after completing her graduation. Though she is known as one the most powerful women of the world, her head lies on the shoulder still! Xie stepped into Baosteel in 1978. Then at that time the company was still under construction. Xie, was appointed as head of technical division, then she rose to the position of company President in 1994! Along with this responsibility she shared other unique responsibilities also.

Her unmatched business strategies have clicked most of the times, especially in clubbing Shanghai Iron and Steel Plant with Baosteel Group. She has struggled very hard to bring her Bao steel Group name and fame. Xie has an unquenchable thirst for steel business. She kept on trying to merge with more and more steel companies with Baosteel group. In 2004 Bao steel Group Signed a cooperation agreement with France's Arcelor. And also signed with Brazil for joint venture to build a steel plant. Today Bao Steel Group is considered as one of the top 12 Steel groups in the world producing over 10 million ton per year.

With Xie's continued efforts Bao Steel Group has made 309 positions this year. "Xie led the Shanghai Baosteel Group Corporation in setting record earnings and revenue and successfully pioneered a path in the trades traditionally dominated by men," said Fortune. Hail women power!

Geeta Rao