2021 board of governors election amcham shanghai · positions on the board. the list of candidates...
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Election results to be announced at the AMCHAM SHANGHAI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
November 25, 2020
Learn about the candidates running for the 2021 Board of GovernorsVoting begins November 9
2021AmCham Shanghai
Board of Governors Election
Candidate Information Booklet
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Dear Members,
Election season is quickly approaching! Voting for the
2021 Board of Governors will begin Monday, November 9 and
the results will be announced at our annual general meeting
on Wednesday, November 25. This insert provides important
information about the candidates and their platforms. There
is also a reminder about voting rights. Please read carefully.
We have a slate of 10 candidates running for five vacant
positions on the Board. The list of candidates is provided
below, as is the list of those Board members who still have a
second year on their current term. There are several ways to
learn more about the views of each candidate:
Meet the candidates at the November 3 Monthly Member
Briefing. Look at the 2020 Board of Governors' Election page on
our website, where candidates have posted information
about what they would do if elected. Review the biography and platform statement for each
candidate on the official ballot. Talk to the candidates directly at one of our events during
campaign season (November 4 - November 20).
I encourage Chamber members to take advantage of
these opportunities – become an informed voter!
Finally, who can vote? This is an important point because
not all Chamber members have voting rights. We have
about 2,000 eligible voters, mainly from our US corporate
members and individual US citizen members. For those
who are associate members, please take note that not all
associate members have voting rights. Each US corporate
member can identify up to two associate members with
voting rights. If you are uncertain if you have voting rights,
ask your company or call our membership office (6169-
3000). Over the past several weeks, we have been in touch
with all US corporate members to update the list of associate
members with voting rights.
All eligible voters will receive an electronic ballot with
a unique code. If you do not receive a ballot, that means
you do not have voting rights.
Current Board members who will remain on the Board
for a second year are:
Curt Ferguson, President, Greater China, Korea &
Mongolia, Coca-Cola Christine Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Citi China Jeffrey Lehman, Vice Chancellor, NYU Shanghai Li Fang, President & General Manager, Corning Greater
China Qing Myerson, Project Leader, Global LE Integration
PMO, Bristol-Myers Squibb Michelle Yan, President, Crane
Candidates Running for Governor:
Robert Abbanat, CEO, GloCoach Tony Acciarito, President, Thermo Fisher Scientific China Allison Cui, Vice President, Milliken & Company, General
Manager, Milliken Floor Covering Business, Asia Norman Gu, General Manager, Hormel Foods Greater
China Cameron Johnson, Partner, TidalWave Kent D. Kedl, CEO, Control Risks Greater China Han Lin, Senior Vice President & Deputy General
Manager, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Shanghai Branch Jean Liu, Executive Vice President & Chief Corporate
Affairs Officer, EF China Tom Ward, Founder, PIM China Bryce Whitwam, Chief Executive Officer, MRM//McCann
China
Sincerely,
Ker Gibbs
President
Introducing Candidates for the 2021 Board of Governors
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Robert Abbanat
CEOGloCoach
BiographyAt heart, I'm a serial entrepreneur. I ran two successful
businesses and learned how to lead before graduating from
university. Since the day I left the classroom, I've been designing
and building them—virtually. With more degrees than I really
need, I have plenty of ideas about what works, what doesn't and
what the classroom of the future should look like.
When I finished my first master's degree, I turned down
Boeing to launch an ed-tech company producing interactive
multimedia courses for engineering students. We ultimately
produced 3D simulations to show how NASA missions unravel
the mysteries of our solar system. I even managed to get my
name on Mars (no kidding—ask me about it sometime!).
When I finished my MBA, I moved to China and found a job
in finance, traveling to places you've never heard of in search
of good investment opportunities. This helped me to better
understand the world’s second-biggest economy and ancient
culture. I learned to speak the language and established a base
of relationships that I rely on to this day.
But at heart, I'm still an entrepreneur. Seeing the need and
opportunities for education in China, I was inspired to launch ILE,
now a global company with students in more than 50 cities. Our
latest addition to the ILE family is GloCoach, which is home to
hundreds of the world’s best corporate coaches with the mission
to help CEOs, senior management teams and young emerging
leaders improve leadership competencies and deliver superior
results.
It's not easy. China is a harsh entrepreneurial environment,
especially for foreigners. While I’m confident in my ability to
solve problems with cutting-edge technology, I think it is my
persistence, ability to get results and my honesty that keep me
ahead in the game.
Above all, I love to make new acquaintances. So please
reach out if you want to talk about ed-tech, life in China or World
War II history.
Election Platform Better Access to Business Opportunities on a Level Playing
Field
As its name implies, AmCham Shanghai is a place for
American businesses to engage in commerce. Yet in the four
years my company has been a member, we have generated
relatively little ‘commerce’ within the Chinese market from
our AmCham Shanghai interactions. Based on my experience,
many other member companies share the same perspective—
there are lots of events and great opportunities for networking
with other AmCham Shanghai members, but relatively few
opportunities for actually gaining access to the Chinese market.
As a member of the Board of Governors, I plan to leverage my
experience as a successful entrepreneur to increase business
opportunities and activities for Chamber members within the
Chinese market.
To do this, I propose several key initiatives including:
• Market outreach: I will work with the Board and committee
leaders to create programs which build channels into
specific markets where AmCham Shanghai members can
gain access to potential customers and decision makers. I
will leverage my product development experience to better
utilize social media platforms and mobile technology to
expand the Chamber’s reach beyond the Shanghai market,
thus extending our reach to audiences who can benefit
from the value we bring and exposing our members to new
markets.
• Regulatory fairness: I believe that AmCham Shanghai can
do more to promote regulatory fairness towards American
businesses operating in China, both through our work here
in China as well as through our network in Washington.
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai • Board of Governors: perfect meeting attendance from 2017-
2018
• Panel organizer/moderator, 2018 HR Conference
• Future Leader of the Year Award judge, 2017
• Chairman of Talent Transformation Forum, 2015-2016
• Member of National Election Committee, 2015
• Master of Ceremonies, Workforce 2020 Conference, 2014
• Chairman of Education & Training Committee, 2014-2015
• Vice-chair of Education & Training Committee, 2013
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Tony Acciarito
PresidentThermo Fisher Scientific China
BiographyTony Acciarito has been President of Thermo Fisher
Scientific China since August 2017. Prior to this role, Tony was
Vice President and General Manager of South Korea from
January 2014 and was responsible for leading employees
across multiple business units in addition to developing and
implementing a long-term strategic plan that led to rapid
business growth in South Korea.
Tony joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in 2009 as General
Manager in Australia and was responsible for sales, marketing,
and service management. He has a wealth of knowledge and
more than 25 years of experience, starting as a laboratory
chemist and followed by commercial roles within the scientific
industry in various Asia Pacific regions. Prior to joining Thermo
Fisher, he worked in senior leadership roles for Perkin Elmer
Inc, Selby Scientific, and Biolab, overseeing commercial and
operational functions and leading a number of business
acquisitions across Australia and New Zealand.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from RMIT
University of Melbourne and a Diploma in Applied Science
from Northern Melbourne Institute of Technology. Tony is also
a long-standing member of The Royal Australian Chemical
Institute as a Chartered Chemist. Born in Australia, Tony speaks
fluent Italian and English and has lived in both Australia and
South Korea. He now lives in Shanghai with his wife and three
boys.
Election Platform I am proud to have served as a member of the Board of
Governors for the past two years. During this time l have done
my best to use AmCham Shanghai to enhance the operating
environment in China for the American business community. I
hope to continue this effort with a goal to serve our members,
especially during the mounting uncertainties in the bilateral
relationship.
In my capacity as a member of the Board of Governors,
as well as a business leader of a large multinational American
company in China, I strongly believe in a mutually beneficial
US-China relationship and a business-friendly social economic
environment in China. More than ever before, we face a turning
point given the challenges presented by the rapidly changing
geopolitical environment compounded by a world-wide
pandemic.
My Role as President of Thermo Fisher Scientific
As the world leader in serving science, Thermo Fisher
Scientific has been operating in China for almost 40 years with
our 5,000 colleagues based in China. Our foundation is built
on a key strategic imperative— “in China for China.” To achieve
this, we must remain closely aligned with the China Five Year
Plan and serve all sectors of the scientific community such
as life sciences, biotech and biopharma research as well as
healthcare and environmental protection. Our mission is to
enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner
and safer, and we do this with innovation at the core. Our local
scale and experience allow me to support existing members
and leverage our presence to help influence local and central
government.
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai Thermo Fisher has been a loyal member of AmCham
Shanghai for many years. Our senior executives have been
strong supporters and active participators in various events
including executive dialogues, government outreach programs,
and CSR activities. We are committed to making a positive
impact through our products, our people and our support for
AmCham Shanghai.
• We can bring profound insights and knowledge to help
improve the overall business environment for the AmCham
Shanghai membership base.
• We are keen to influence our associated business
partners and individuals across all industries through more
involvement in the AmCham Shanghai community.
• We are dedicated to fostering a healthy partnership
between US companies and the Chinese government by not
only sponsoring the annual government appreciation dinner
and government affairs conference, but also proactively
reaching out to senior government representatives in both
the US and China, as a voice for the private sector and to
build trust between stakeholders.
• I will continue to encourage my team to form a taskforce to
develop an annual collaborative strategy with the Chamber
office and committees, and actively participate in Chamber
activities including conferences, networking events, and
CSR activities.
With your support, I look forward to continuing as a
member of the Board of Governors and contributing to building
a strong and sustainable business environment for all American
companies.
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Allison Cui
Vice President, Milliken & CompanyGeneral Manager, Milliken Floor Covering Business, Asia
BiographyAllison is the Asia General Manager for Milliken Floor
Covering’s business division. She is responsible for driving
business growth and managing business operations in Asia
and she is based in Shanghai.
Milliken is a family-owned company, founded in 1865
in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA. It has more than
7000 associates globally and more than 40 manufacturing
facilities worldwide. Milliken is an industry innovator and
market leader. It has highly diversified businesses in special
chemicals, commercial flooring material, protective material,
and healthcare material. Milliken has over 5500 patents
accumulated since 1927. It entered China in the late 1990s and
established its Asia HQ in Shanghai.
Allison joined Milliken in 2016. She was the Vice President
of Asia Strategy and Business Development overseeing growth
acceleration and M&A opportunities across its business in Asia.
Prior to Milliken & Company, Allison joined DuPont in 2011
and held diverse leadership positions at DuPont Nutrition and
Health China for five years. She served as Marketing Director,
Chair of China Growth Strategy Management Office, and
Business Director of the China Hydrocolloids Business.
After graduating from Stanford Graduate School of Business
in 2007, Allison joined Professor Michael Porter’s management
consulting firm Monitor Group (now Deloitte Consulting) and
worked there for five years. She led numerous and diverse
client projects from MNCs to private enterprises to China SOEs,
and her expertise covered strategy development, commercial
excellence, organization design and leadership development.
Allison is co-chair of AmCham’s Women’s Executive
Network, a Member of AmCham’s Manufacturing Business
Council, an ICF Certified Professional Coach, and an Advisor
to the School of Economics and Management of Tong Ji
University.
She holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of
Business, and an MS in Electrical Engineering from Shanghai
Jiao Tong University.
Election Platform AmCham Shanghai is a uniquely important institution for the
community of people and enterprises who have American ties
and work in Shanghai and beyond. I am pursuing a seat on the
Board of Governors of AmCham Shanghai, where I look forward
to playing a strategic role representing member companies on
both sides of the Pacific. In the increasingly more complex and
ambiguous business environment and U.S.-China relationship
we need to shape a more MNC- & SME-engaged community
and maintain relevance to provide value to all members.
If elected to the Board and given the privilege to serve you,
I pledge to grow overall Chamber engagement by:
• Drawing upon my extensive experience in leading complex
MNCs and family businesses to help guide the strategy of
the Chamber into the future. Crafting a vision and strategy
to effectively engage and benefit all MNC & SME member
companies.
• Capitalizing on my experiences in Operations & Technology
to enhance the Chamber’s digital capabilities to maintain
relevance in one of the world’s most digital markets.
• Continuing to build and leverage WEN and other committee
platforms to promote increased membership, greater
diversity and better community relationships.
• Supporting outreach to like-minded organizations to build
Chamber visibility and advocate for foreign business
interests.
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai Milliken & Company has been a loyal member and strong
supporter of AmCham Shanghai for many years. Milliken is
an innovation-driven and highly diversified family-owned
manufacturing company and in a unique position to represent
MNC & SME voices and effectively connect and engage with
companies. Milliken employees regularly attend AmCham
events and activities. Milliken actively participated in the
AmCham Shanghai survey of the China business environment
post COVID-19, the AmCham Shanghai survey on the WeChat
Executive Order and many other surveys conducted during the
outbreak of COVID-19 early this year.
I am co-chair of AmCham’s Women’s Executive Network.
At one of the Chamber’s flagship Women’s Leadership
Conferences in 2020, I co-created the conference agenda,
worked on the conference’s content, secured speakers and
moderated sessions. As an ICF certified professional coach,
I actively led and participated in quarterly Peer-to-Peer
coaching programs for women leaders at WEN to support
women’s leadership development and grow the community.
I am also a member of the AmCham Manufacturing Business
Council. I have regularly participated in roundtable discussions
as a panelist and moderator to promote business innovation
and engage with current Chamber members and potential new
members.
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Norman Gu
General ManagerHormel Foods Greater China
BiographyNorman Gu is General Manager of Hormel Foods Greater
China. In his current role, he has full P&L responsibility and
oversees strategy formulation, M&A, business development
and operations, including three production sites in China (two
Hormel plants and one Skippy plant). He also serves as a board
director of Beijing Hormel Foods Co., Ltd (JV).
Norman started his career with Hormel in 2003 as Regional
Sales Manager in Shanghai. In 2006, he moved to Beijing as
Sales Director, where he was responsible for sales, marketing
and logistics for North China. Two years later, he relocated to
Shanghai to oversee Hormel’s national Foodservice business.
He was named VP of Sales & Marketing China in 2014, and was
responsible for both Foodservice & Retail. He was appointed to
his current role in 2016.
Norman received his MBA from Renmin University of China.
Currently, he is in the Executive Development Program at CEIBS,
which he will complete by the end of 2020. He has also served
as co-chair of the Food, Agriculture, and Beverage committee at
Amcham Shanghai since 2019.
Election Platform Born and bred in China, I have worked with Hormel Foods
China for 17 years, rising from a sales manager to General
Manager of Greater China. It has been my great fortune to
experience such an exciting and fast-growing economy as
China’s. I am also deeply grateful for the opportunities that arose
when China opened its doors and invited foreign investment into
the country 40 years ago. As a US food company with a presence
in China for 26 years, Hormel is in search of more than business
growth; we hope to bring a wide variety of safe and high-quality
foods to Chinese consumers. To this end, we play a positive role
in improving the quality of industry-wide standards and offering
recommendations to authorities at all levels.
Years of work with an MNC has equipped me with a deep
understanding of the opportunities and challenges that
US operations face in this market. As country manager, my
role is to build bridges between our US head office and our
China operation in areas such as business strategies, cultural
exchanges, marketing insights, and talent acquisitions. Since
2019, I have served as co-chair of the Food, Agriculture and
Beverage Committee at AmCham Shanghai. This experience
has elevated my understanding of “bridges” to a higher level
– from an industry point of view, it has shown me how we can
continue to emphasize that AmCham Shanghai is the spine of
the US business community in this dynamic market, particularly
at this critical time.
I am now pursuing this new role on the Board of Governors,
where I can contribute my knowledge and expertise to the
Chamber’s long-term strategy and, most importantly, implement
a strategy that will help the Chamber to keep evolving. If I am
elected to the Board with your support, I would like to further
contribute to AmCham Shanghai by:
• Focusing on member benefits that will enhance members'
experiences. Leveraging and optimizing AmCham Shanghai’s
resources as a platform to offer meaningful market insights,
regulatory analysis, networking opportunities, conferences,
dialogues with government, etc. Supporting industry
committee chairs to continue providing valuable content to
members.
• Bridging the difference between the US and China by
engaging with both governments to better support the US
business community to overcome the current challenges
and adapt to the "new normal" environment.
• Bringing different perspectives to the Chamber that could
help further engagement with more local businesses.
Further opening the Chamber to local business communities
and building productive communication between MNCs,
SMEs and numerous great local companies.
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai• Member since 2008
• Independence Day in-kind sponsor (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018)
• Served as co-chair of the Food, Agriculture and Beverage
committee (2019 –2020)
• Organized and sponsored the Food, Agriculture and
Beverage Conference (2018, 2019, 2020)
• Frequent speaker and moderator at AmCham events (2018 -
2020)
• Hosted a HORMEL Jiaxing plant tour for AmCham members
(2018)
• Organized the ADM R&D Center tour for AmCham members
(2019)
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Cameron Johnson
PartnerTidalWave
BiographyCameron has 20 years of management experience
across various industries in China. He is currently a partner at TidalWave, a boutique consulting firm based in Shanghai, and head of APAC strategy for FAO Global, a DC-based consultancy focused on global advisory services for SMEs. He is also an advisor to the National IDC Industrial Technological Innovation Strategic Alliance, a China-based technology association.
Cameron was the Asia General Manager at a global carbon fiber company for seven years, where he expanded the business throughout the Asia region, delivering an average of 48% annual revenue growth. He was also the Operations Director for a global sourcing and risk management company, focused on consumer packaging and customized prototypes, Cameron also served as Business Manager at Microsoft. He has lived in China for 20 years in Beijing, Shanghai, Changchun, and Chongqing.
Cameron received a Graduate Business Certification from the University of Wales and graduated from the University of Washington with BAs in Communications and Comparative Religion. He also serves as the co-president of the University of Washington’s Shanghai alumni chapter.
Election Platform I first came to China at age 19 and have lived in this country
for 20 years. I witnessed the opening of the first McDonald’s in Changchun as a teenager and observed and experienced the tremendous growth and transformation China has undertaken in the last two decades. I have made Shanghai my home and expect to spend at least another 20 years here.
I have been active with AmCham Shanghai since the early 2000s.
Running my own consulting practice across different cultures, industries, and geographies, I bring a rich diversity of resources to the AmCham Shanghai community. I have a flexible work schedule which allows me to commit more time and energy to serving our Chamber. My ongoing collaboration with various US-based Chambers of Commerce and other business organizations will also be a valuable asset to our members.
Having worked at large MNCs, SMEs, and building my own companies, I have a unique perspective on the challenges each face. I think of myself as a facilitator – bringing people from different cultures and business backgrounds to build something greater than their individual parts. I would like to join the Board and contribute to the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai by:• Serving individual members by providing meaningful
networking, coaching, and career/personal development avenues. I see opportunities in mobilizing and optimizing member resources through targeted, creative events and materials.
• Serving SMEs by promoting business opportunities and
providing the resources and advice they often struggle to access. I see the need for small business owners to leverage online/offline channels to showcase their businesses and products. As an AmCham board member, I would like to bring the various committees together to provide a dynamic platform that enables and empowers SMEs.
• Connecting individuals and SMEs with MNCs for optimizing resources.
• Developing greater cohesion amongst various AmCham committees to break down industry silos for further innovative collaborations. The traditionally defined industry classification, while still valid, does not always facilitate cross-discipline creativity and innovation. I’m often amazed by the power of creating unconventional connections between businesses and want to bring the same connectivity across existing AmCham subcommittees.
• Connecting AmCham Shanghai with other NGOs in China and globally. I participated in the opening and showcasing of AmCham’s office in San Francisco, presented to the Washington State China Relations Council and the University of Washington’s International Advancement Office. I see a great need in the US to connect with China-based American businesses and communities. I believe cultivating these relationships to drive collaboration will strengthen AmCham Shanghai.
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai Active since the early 2000s.
• Delegate on AmCham DC Doorknock visits (2016, 2018 and 2019)
• AmCham China Chairman of the Aerospace Sub-committee at ECWG (2015-2017)
• Vice-chair and Co-chair of the Future Leaders Committee, including creation of the Future Leaders of the Year Awards and organizing the Annual Salary Survey (2015-2018)
• Vice-chair of the Manufacturers’ Business Council (2019 - present)
• Panel speaker at AmCham Shanghai’s San Francisco office opening (2019)
• Guest speaker and panel member at various AmCham events (on-going), including this year at “Managing US-China Trade relations,” “Thrive in China’s New Environmental Era” and the International FDI Summit
• Contributor to AmCham Viewpoint briefings (Reappraising Export Controls) and Insight magazine
• Contributor to the AmCham PPE Procurement Guide • Adjunct professor in Shanghai at New York University’s
School of Professional studies teaching on Leadership in Global OrganizationsIf you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me
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Kent D. Kedl
CEOControl Risks Greater China
BiographyKent has lived and worked in China since the late 1980s and
has been in Shanghai since 1994. He is a Senior Partner in Control
Risks Asia Pacific and CEO for Control Risks’ Greater China and
North Asia region.
Kent has consulted with multinational and local Asian
corporations across all industries on a diverse range of complex
risk and strategy issues: geopolitics and regulatory issues,
M&A and organic growth strategy, crisis management and
operational business controls, and strategic and organizational
development programs.
Prior to joining Control Risks, Kent was general manager and
co-owner of Technomic Asia, a market strategy consulting firm
providing mergers and acquisitions advice, deal structuring and
negotiations, market research and strategy planning. His work
included target selection, investigations of companies prior to a
deal (acquisitions, joint ventures, licensing, franchising, etc.,) and
deal negotiations.
Kent has worked as a journalist and radio broadcaster, is
a frequent contributor to Asia-based media outlets and is co-
author of The China Ready Company. In his spare time, Kent
writes and performs stand-up comedy in China and across Asia.
Kent is fluent in Chinese, with a bachelor’s degree in English and
a master’s degree in East Asian studies from the University of
Minnesota. He also completed graduate studies in journalism
and mass communication as a scholar at the China Times Centre
for Mass Media and Social Studies.
Election Platform I am running for a board position at AmCham Shanghai
because I want to help lead an organization that represents
the best of American companies – organizations with strong
businesses, leading brands and extensive China experience
– and, as such, has the greatest opportunity for learning and
sharing successful practices among its members. I’ve been
living and working in China since the late 1980s and one of the
first lessons I learned is that there is no such thing as a “China
Expert” – none of us know everything about China and all of us
have things we can learn from each other. Never has there been
more of a need to share knowledge and experience because
never have the business challenges in China been greater
than they are today – post-COVID market recovery, increasing
local competition, aggressive Chinese regulatory oversight and
deteriorating US-China relations are among the greatest issues
we face.
As geopolitical tensions between the US and China
increase, the challenges AmCham Shanghai as an organization
representing American companies and Americans in China will
increase. The AmCham Shanghai board must continue to focus
on supporting the success of its members; however, the board
must also focus on managing its own risks and improving its
own resiliency. I believe that my experience advising foreign
companies in navigating geopolitical and regulatory compliance
issues will be very beneficial to the AmCham Shanghai board
and will help guide the organization and ensure that AmCham
Shanghai’s decades of past success will continue for years to
come.
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai • Corporate member since the early 2000s under three
different companies
• Regular attendee at AmCham events and mixers
• Regular presenter at AmCham Shanghai and AmCham
Suzhou conferences
• Participating as an “Ambassador” for AmCham, attending
Business Briefings with visiting groups to represent
AmCham’s membership and talk about doing business in
China (average 1-2 events per quarter)
• Director and co-author of the China Business Climate
surveys and co-presenter at the annual presentation of the
survey results, 2010-2013
• Multiple contributions to Insight magazine
• Member of the AmCham NEC in 2009
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Han Lin
Senior Vice President & Deputy General Manager Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Shanghai Branch
BiographyHan Lin is Deputy General Manager of Wells Fargo Bank
in China. In this capacity, Han supports bank governance and
advises Wells Fargo corporate clients on their US-China cross-
border strategic financing and trade needs.
Han completed his undergraduate studies in business
at the University of Michigan. He later completed a Masters
in International Studies from the Johns Hopkins School of
Advanced International Studies (SAIS), a Masters of Science
in Global Finance from the joint NYU Stern Business School-
HK University of Science and Technology program and a law
degree (LLM) in Chinese commercial law at Fudan University
Law School.
Han is both a returned Peace Corps Volunteer with three
years of service in Ukraine and is a US veteran. He currently
serves as Treasurer of the Chamber’s Board of Governors, and
previously served as Chair of its Financial Services Committee.
He lives in Shanghai with his wife and two daughters.
Election Platform AmCham Shanghai has always been a rich ecosystem of
learning, community and advocacy – a unique status all the
more relevant as US-China relations take a complex turn. But its
spirit lies in the membership. If re-elected to the BOG, I would
focus on the following:
• Bolster the development of relevant informational events
that inform and educate, and educate our membership as
they navigate in the evolving China environment
• Reach out to the younger female membership, and
encourage more of their active participation through
mentoring
• Support initiatives to strengthen government engagement
such that the views of AmCham Shanghai are increasingly
heard
• Dedicate myself to the healthy governance of AmCham
Shanghai
Although born and raised in the US, I’ve had the pleasure of
working in China for over 14 years. Prior to my current position,
I’ve had stints across non-profits, large MNCs and startups.
As a result, I believe I bring a multi-faceted and energetic
view of looking at China. I appreciate what AmCham Shanghai
represents and what more it can offer. If given the opportunity
to serve again on the BOG, you’ll continue to have my earnest
dedication and ear for your thoughts.
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai No week goes by that I do not dedicate time to the
Chamber. As Treasurer of the Board of the Governors, I have
worked extensively with the Chamber in managing its budget
to make it through the COVID-19 period. In addition, I’ve
actively participated on panels, provided feedback on Chamber
publications and sponsored several interns.
During five years as the Vice-Chair & Chair of the Financial
Services Committee, I have had the privilege to:
• Directly organize in excess of 50 events (in collaboration with
other committees) on a multitude of financial services and
economic topics of interest to:o General Amcham Shanghai membership – Example
topics include S&P Global Economic Outlook, Blockchain,
Insurance Industry Primer, RMB Internationalizationo CFOs – Examples include Corporate Tax, Finance
Talent Retention, Technology Trends, Government
Affairs management, and other topics specific to CFOs,
Treasurers or equivalentso Senior Financial Services Practitioners – Examples
include Regulator Relations, Capital Controls, etc.
• Represent AmCham Shanghai on three Washington DC
Doorknocks, as well as participate as a Subject Matter Expert
in meetings with over 20 visiting US delegations to Shanghai.
• Support advocacy through publications such as white papers
(Shanghai as an IFC), Viewpoints (China Capital Controls)
• Mentor a number of junior members (i.e. FLP Committee), and
women to become more active in the AmCham Shanghai
community
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Jean Liu
Executive Vice President & Chief Corporate Affairs OfficerEF China
BiographyJean Liu is a seasoned executive in business development,
marketing and corporate affairs. Her career has spanned the
globe from North America to Asia. She is currently Executive
Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at EF, the
world's largest privately held education company. A leading
industry player with over 20,000 employees and 300 schools,
EF is also the largest employer of expatriates in China, with over
1000 international teachers, many of whom are Americans.
Prior to joining EF, Jean led the global Cloud Marketing
Team for IBM's Growth Market Unit in Shanghai. She later led
IBM China's marketing team for Cloud and Technology Services.
Before IBM, Jean was Vice President of Corporate Affairs for
the EDS Corporation. Based in Shanghai, Jean was responsible
for government relations, business development, partner
relationships and marketing & communications for EDS. She
was on the Board of Directors of EDS' joint-venture in China
and served as Vice Chairman of China Association of Services
Trade. Jean also spent five years in the telecom industry, holding
global leadership roles in brand management and advertising
for AT&T and its joint venture with BT.
Earlier in her career, Jean gained extensive advertising, PR
and marketing experience with leading global agencies in the
U.S. and in Asia.
Jean holds a BA degree in Economics and Political Science
from Wellesley College and an MBA from the University of
Chicago. She has been an active member of AmCham Shanghai
since 2004.
Election Platform Jean has been an active member of AmCham Shanghai
since 2004. As the co-chair of the Women’s Executive Network,
Jean worked on the WeForShe conferences – the largest event
of the Chamber – including creating content, inviting speakers
and moderating sessions. After serving as the Co-Chair for this
committee for three years, she was recently selected to serve on
the Chamber’s less public “behind the scene” Ethics Committee.
The Committee’s work has already produced tangible outcome
in raising awareness for this important topic and created much
needed programs for SME members of the Chamber. In earlier
days, Jean participated in the China Round Table, and the IT
Committee.
Jean has also been actively engaged with the Government
Affairs Committee. She and EF provided input to a series of
new laws; she participated in the Chamber’s delegations to
neighboring provinces, presenting her views and challenges at
these meetings. More importantly, she was able to get positive
results from these efforts.
Under Jean’s leadership, EF’s involvement and contribution
to the Chamber has increased steadily. EF has participated in the
China Business Environment Survey every year, representing a
small number of companies in the education services sector. EF
also participated in and sponsored some of the largest events
held by the Chamber, including the government appreciation
dinners. EF also won the Chamber’s CSR award in 2019.
Doing business in China for multinational companies has
never been more challenging. The Chamber must play a more
proactive role in helping our members adapt to the rapidly
changing business environment. The Chamber should build
upon its existing initiatives and reach the next level, by further
leveraging technology in the post-pandemic era.
If elected to the Board, I would continue to raise awareness
for ethics and compliance – for companies big and small. It is not
just the right thing to do, but an important competitive advantage.
I would also encourage the Chamber to use its unique position
with the government to help members solve specific issues
faster. Briefings are great, but in-depth knowledge, analysis
and engagement would take us to the next level in serving the
members’ needs. I would also advocate for a holistic view of the
Chamber’s plan and its related objectives, so members would
get more engaged and feel the benefits of the programs.
In my view, enhancing the Chamber’s valuable support is
not about more resources or programs; it is about proactively
anticipating the needs of our members and providing the
means that lead to viable solutions. And the Chamber can do
this by further leveraging member companies’ resources as well
as its own unique position in “business Shanghai.”
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Tom Ward
FounderPIM China
BiographyI am currently serving my first term on the Board of Governors
and am seeking a second term. Over the past 30 years, I have
been working with Asia-Pacific businesses, initially as a trader
of American industrial products, with the last 23 as a resident of
China. I have conducted projects in most East Asian countries,
including Japan, Korea, mainland China, its territories of Hong
Kong and Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.
In my early years in China, I focused on China market
entry projects for construction materials and established local
production of licensed protective coatings here in Shanghai.
At the end of my last assignment in 2005 with DuPont China, I
formed PIM China, Ltd. to provide industrial market opportunity
analysis and strategic consulting services for multiple industrial
clients.
Currently, my colleagues and I are engaged in industrial
products and specialty materials market entry and expansion
projects. Over the past 13 years we have consulted with the full
range of manufacturing in China throughout most provinces. Our
team also supports American investors to conduct targeting for
China acquisitions.
With over 30 years of Asian business experience, I am
articulate in the different business customs of the region,
openings and barriers to market entry, and the various ways and
means of creating successful business ventures in China’s highly
complex industrial markets.
Election Platform It is challenging to select which candidates to vote for, as
each one has been thoroughly vetted and is qualified to serve
on the board. I am honored to be selected to run for a second
term.
If elected I will commit to the Chamber’s continuation of
providing meaningful programs and events that inform and
serve our membership. As a candidate I have selected two focus
areas if elected as a board member.
Membership Growth
In particular, I will continue volunteering to help grow our
numbers and support our expanded membership drive within
our current corporate member companies. Many of them have
two or three top executives on our rolls whose schedules keep
them from attending many of our events. Some have over a
thousand employees, but have no mid-managers attending
and benefiting from our seminars, conferences, and committee-
focused programs. Bringing them in as associate members
would enable them to receive our event notices and attend
those of interest to them. I will also continue supporting new
member growth of our branch offices in Nanjing, Suzhou, and
Hangzhou.
American Business Advocacy
In addition to increasing our membership, I will actively
support and participate in our role as the voice of American
businesses in China. Throughout my 20 years with AmCham, we
have not experienced such troubling tensions between our two
countries. It is especially important to ensure that our concerns
are heard by both the Chinese and American authorities. This
should not be limited to our D.C. Doorknock, which will need
to be virtual this year, but with the continuation of our position
papers, articles in both the American and Chinese press, and
focused meetings with representatives of both governments.
Thank you for reading this and participating in our election.
If you wish to make me aware of any particular issues affecting
your business in China, you may email me at tomward@pimchina.
com or contact me by WeChat. My ID is “Guilaoguy.”
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai Over the past 20 years I have been pleased to serve AmCham
Shanghai in various capacities:
• Current Board of Governors Board Member 2019-2020
• Founder and chair of the SME Committee (now Entrepreneurs
Committee)
• Chair of AmCham Fourth of July Party
• Member of our Washington Doorknock team
• Panel moderator for AmCham Suzhou
• Panelist for AmCham Suzhou’s leadership conference
• Chair of AmCham Ethics Committee
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Bryce Whitwam
Chief Executive OfficerMRM//McCann China
BiographyBryce Whitwam is Chief Executive Officer of MRM//McCann
China, part of the McCann Worldgroup, one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing firms. Bryce is responsible for the firm’s offices in Shanghai and Beijing.
Bryce arrived in Shanghai in 2005 and has devoted his career to improving his understanding of the country. Fluent in Mandarin, Bryce is a recognized global expert on Chinese social media, database marketing and e-commerce.
Whitwam joined the Chamber in 2009 and served as the Chair of the Marketing & Media Committee for five years. During this time, Bryce took a casual after-work social club with a few dozen participants and transformed it into AmCham Shanghai's largest committee by participation.
Bryce has a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a BA from the University of Minnesota in Political Science and Russian Area Studies. He also received a degree in Advanced Chinese Language and Literature from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.
Election Platform I’m honored to have the opportunity to run for the AmCham
Shanghai Board of Governors. If elected, I promise to continue the Chamber’s expansion of providing meaningful programs and events that inform and serve the membership.
A Business Chamber for AllWe live in challenging times, and now, more than
ever, Shanghai needs a strong Chamber: an open forum of international business and fellowship for both SMEs and multi-nationals. • Expand membership to a larger base of international and
Chinese companies via an aggressive recruiting driveIf elected to the Board, I will advocate creating a special
advisory board to actively recruit executives from Chinese companies into our Affiliated Members Program. • Actively promote the compelling reasons for these
companies to join We all know the benefits of joining AmCham, but they may
not be clear to these new recruits. Our recruitment drive needs to highlight those compelling reasons to join.
Elevate & Transform Our Program OfferingIf we are going to diversify our membership, do we
provide provocative programs and services that both attract and encourage participation from this new type of Chamber member? We know that their involvement is vital to both keep members and encourage new ones; are we effectively maximizing our use of technology to enable us to reach a larger audience?• Commission research to better understand what our new
members want
We know the AmCham backend platform for helping committees organize and promote events is first rate. But to transform our program offering, we may need to change/expand what our committees provide to members. I will advocate commissioning research to better understand what types of programs and services our new members would be willing to participate in. • Embrace digital transformation to increase participation to
a larger membership poolParticipation in our programs is no longer restricted to
Shanghai but can be available to anyone in the world. If elected Governor, I will work to expand our digital capabilities that will help to enrich the experience and promote our programs.
Drive American Business Advocacy• Use multiple means to counter potential misinformation
surrounding the US/China relationship American business interests in China are now being
challenged. With heightened tensions, AmCham needs to assure that our concerns are being heard by both Chinese and American leaders. More importantly we need effective communications to cut through all the recent misinformation. This is not just limited to the congressional door knocks, but also needs to be expanded via position papers, interviews and meetings with leaders.
If elected, I pledge to make these initiatives a reality. I am passionate about my convictions and am ready to make things happen, but also know that I don’t have all the answers and will appreciate your feedback and comments along the way. And by all means, please reach out to me at any time via WeChat if you have any questions.
Contribution to AmCham Shanghai I have been a member of AmCham Shanghai since 2009.
• Chair, Marketing & Media Committee, 2010-2015Through my efforts to transform the committee into a
professional forum to learn new trends and innovative marketing practices, the Marketing & Media Committee became the most active committee in the Chamber.• New Member Communications Advisory Committee
I worked to help create new and innovative ways to reach out to new members, providing them compelling reasons to join through a testimonial advertising campaign that was released through the Chamber’s various media platforms• Panel participant & moderator at various Amcham events
WeChat: brycewhitwamE-mail: [email protected]
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Election Processfor
2021 Board of Governors
November 3Meet the Candidates Forum at Monthly Members Briefing
November 9Voting begins
November 20, 5:30p.m.
Voting closes(except for voting done in person at AGM)
November 25
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
2021AmCham Shanghai
Board of Governors Election
Candidate Information Booklet