There are few product managers who can lay claim to being involved in the rollout of an innovation that went on to truly redefine the market. But two industry-shaping innovations? That’s rarefied air territory. You can count Kao Mei among that latter, august company.
The fact that she’s helped usher in two seminal business solutions says much about the group product manager for Epson’s Business Imaging unit. It’s more than a coincidence; it reflects the depth of technology acumen she boasts and the vision of successful outcomes she possesses. Like an award-winning songwriter penning multiple hits, Mei understands what success looks and “sounds” like.
The first landscape-changing innovation came during her stint in the flexographic printing industry. Mei helped introduce double-coated foam tapes to replace traditional mounting methods. Despite rolling out the product to a market that was highly resistant to change, a pinch of education and a dash of product demos that illustrated benefits including print quality, improved press uptime and faster setup, made the tapes an industry standard.
Lightning struck a second time when she brought Epson’s EcoTank to Brazil’s retail printer market, which had long been dominated by ink cartridges. Within three years, it became the top-selling supertank printer in America and changed consumers’ attitudes toward printing.
“These experiences reinforced a core belief for me that real innovation doesn’t just solve a problem, it reshapes expectations,” said Mei, a 2025 ENX Magazine Difference Maker. “And now, in the office copier industry, I see the same opportunity. I believe we’re on the edge of another shift, and I’m committed to helping lead it just as I did before.”
She’s enjoyed a long career in product management that includes nearly 20 years with a number of Brazilian-based companies. She joined Epson do Brasil in 2009, working out of the Sao Paulo region, before coming to the states in 2018. Mei feels she “fell into” the industry, but Epson has allowed her to leverage those strengths that made her successful.
“I’m driven by solving problems,” she said. “I love turning a challenge into a win, especially when there is new, innovative technology involved.”
Those who know Mei will attest to the fact that she doesn’t have a filter. Whether it’s speaking her mind or sharing opinions that may be unpopular, Mei believes people respond to authenticity. Differing opinions, she said, is what makes everyone unique. Considering she speaks four languages—English, Portuguese, Spanish and Chinese—Mei has more than her share of distinguishing traits.
Early in her career, a manager shared with Mei the idea that while processes can be taught, integrity and curiosity will sustain you in the long run. This piece of advice molded her approach to challenges and opportunities.
“It reminds me that while technical skills are vital, it’s character and a hunger to learn that create longevity and success in this field,” she said. “That mindset helped me tremendously as I transitioned from the world of flexographic printing—my first job—into the fast-paced retail printer sales segment, and later the highly competitive and mature office copier industry. His advice gave me the confidence to challenge the status quo, to explore how even the most established systems could evolve, and to bring fresh thinking into areas many may have written off.”
Mei seeks to continue down the path of self-improvement by remaining curious and open to better ways to approach a problem or uplift her team. She seeks to grow as a leader, professionally and personally.
“I’m focused on being more intentional with my time and helping others around me do the same,” she added.
Away from the office, Mei loves to hike and travel—most often, it’s a combination of both. She prefers Mother Nature over city life and enjoys sampling different types of cuisine.
