American executive leads Japanese subsidiary.

ELMOND Wan, an executive with 26 years in the construction business, got his promotion in an unprecedented move by Kajima Corp., a Japanese construction company with global operations. Kajima named Wan, a Chinese American, president and chief executive of Kajima Construction Services West, a wholly owned subsidiary in the United States. In the past, the corporation assigned only Japanese executives to the highest-level positions.

Wan had some concerns when he took the job at KCS as vice president and general manager three years ago.

"I didn't necessarily feel comfortable at first working for a Japanese company," Wan said. "I was told that several American Caucasians who had my position before did not do well because of the cultural misunderstandings. However, I took the challenge and proved myself through quality service."

As chief executive of Monterey Park-based KCS West, Wan is in charge of overall West Coast development. Kajima has had a presence in the U.S. for years, but KCS West was launched to expand the company's work with a particular focus on the coastal region. Some recent local projects include the Arclight Theater at the Sherman Oaks Galleria and a new 12-story Embassy Suites Hotel in Glendale.

The primary difference in his new position, according to Wan, is the freedom to make direct decisions on projects.

"Before I had to report to the president in New Jersey," he said. "There's no intermediary now. That makes a big difference."

But the increased independence also brings more pressure, especially in a down market for the construction business.

"It is always challenging to look ahead of the market conditions--sometimes I'm right, sometimes I'm wrong--and engage my resources for that change," he said.

But Wan singles out the most important and enjoyable part of his job as being a cheerleader-motivator for his employees.

Wan lives in Whittier with his wife, Rosa, and two teenage children. In his free time, he likes to travel, work with the Boy Scouts of America and participate in activities at First Chinese Baptist Church.

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