Mark Symeon

Mark Symeon, principal of GMS in North America, has a background in computer and consumer electronics. He started out as a professional musician, and through this association got involved with a startup company producing ruggedized computer hardware for the Audio industry.  In the ten years with them he held the titles of Product Manager, Purchasing Manager, and Director of Product Development.  Mark was directly involved with product design, identification and selection of Vendors (Asia and Domestic), vendor maintenance, quality control, and the eventual migration of all production to overseas suppliers.   He has direct experience with full turn key assembly including retail packaging, as well as the individual processes including stamping, CNC, PCBA, and plastics.  Mark most recently held the position of Director of OEM Sales for a U.S. based, Taiwanese manufacturer of consumer products and services. 

Mark has lived in Upstate NY for the last twenty years and has traveled extensively in Taiwan and China.  He has made many contacts and has developed a strong understanding of Eastern business culture.

Chris Zagers           
 
Chris Zagers, principle of GMS in Asia, has a background which covers a broad variety of industries and commodities. Chris has worked as a tool and die maker, specializing in CNC VMCs and traveling wire EDM. He has worked in heavy duty truck transmissions, appliances, agricultural and construction equipment, automotive braking systems, computer electronics and automotive GPS systems. He has managed quality consulting and inspection companies here in APAC and has dealt with consumer products, hand tools, baby strollers, clothes steamers, pens, toys and exercise equipment. He has held positions from Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineer, Corporate Quality Engineer, Operations Manager, Supplier Quality Manager and APAC Regional Operations Representative, for a wide variety of well known US firms. Chris has taught advanced statistics for many years, as well as a broad range of other courses. He is a RAB Certified Lead Auditor (9 years) and has led audits of suppliers in the US, Mexico, Europe and Asia. In addition, he is an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer, and a Certified Quality Auditor. He is currently in pursuit of his Black Belt certification in Six Sigma. Chris has a master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Chris has lived and worked in the Asia Pacific region for the last seven years and considers Taipei his home. He has traveled and audited extensively in China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and India.