Yongxu Zhao is a PhD candidate in the Industrial Resilience Research Group at the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), University of Cambridge, supervised by Dr Mukesh Kumar. His research explores the intersection of geopolitics and supply chain management, with a particular focus on enhancing the resilience and strategic adaptability of multinational corporations in an increasingly uncertain global environment.

He holds a BA, MEng, and MA Cantab from the Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, specialising in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Prior to joining IfM in January 2025, Yongxu worked as a Purchasing Manager at a multinational corporation (MNC). In this role, he led the strategic establishment and co-founding of a China-based overseas subsidiary, aimed at mitigating supply chain risks arising from US–China trade tensions and strengthening regional operational resilience.

His doctoral research focuses on advancing supply chain resilience of MNCs through strategic decision making under the uncertain global geopolitics.