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As the world emerges from the shadow of the pandemic, a renaissance of innovation and opportunity is unfolding. Large corporations, once the bastions of stability, now confront a maelstrom of challenges. The pandemic’s reach has upended production and supply chains, geopolitical tensions have reshaped market dynamics, and the cost of raw materials has soared, compressing profits.
Amidst a series of trials, the rapid evolution of technology and the urgent call for environmental stewardship are compelling companies to innovate and invest in a greener future. These challenges are tangible forces that heighten the intricacy of business operations and demand resilience—the power to adapt and flourish in a swiftly changing landscape.
The Fortune Global 500 Summit 2024 seeks to harness the collective insight of global business leaders to navigate these turbulent times. It aims to foster resilience in the face of adversity, ensuring steady growth in a volatile market and championing innovation as the key to a more prosperous and sustainable tomorrow for businesses and society.
Global 500 Summit offers a dynamic mix of one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, roundtables, networking opportunities, and Q&A sessions.
Sample Topics for Global 500 Summit in 2024:
‘Changes and Opportunities’- Chief Economists’ Perspectives
Harnessing Technology for Growth
MNCs’ Strategies in China
Brand Management and Product Marketing in the Intelligent Business Era
Change and Economic Growth in Finance
Capital Confidence, Patience, and Long-Term Value Creation
New Missions and Challenges for Pharma Giants
New Energy Order
AI Transforming Business, Industries and Jobs
A Resilient and Robust Supply Chain
New Ventures & Breakthroughs: Large Firms Step Out of Comfort Zone
From the Sky to the Sea: Expanding Economic Frontiers
A Tipping Point in Manufacturing
*This agenda planning is tentative and subject to changes
Dr. Hui Cao is the Chairman and Founder of REPT BATTERO Energy Co., Ltd. He has steered the company to success since its founding in 2017, overseeing the development, production, and sales of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and advanced energy storage systems. He led the largest investment project and major investment construction project in the research and development and production of large-capacity lithium batteries in Zhejiang Province, with a project investment of more than $909 million, and has built a smart factory with an annual output of 26GWh, with an output value of more than $1.4 billion.
Dr. Hui Cao is a distinguished engineer and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the battery and battery materials industry. He has led two major 863 Program projects, applied for 80 patents (with over 50 granted), and published over 20 papers, including 5 in SCI journals. He also led the development of Wending battery technology featuring batteries with higher density, improved safety, and faster charging speed. He led the REPT BATTERO "high-performance lithium-ion battery entrepreneurial team" successfully selected into the 2020 Zhejiang Province leading entrepreneurial team.
He earned his Ph.D. at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He has won the 2009 Shanghai Youth Science and Technology Star Program (Class A), the 2014 Shanghai Space Administration Ten Outstanding Young People, the 2015 Shanghai May Fourth Youth honorary title, the 2015 Shanghai Science and Technology Invention Award third prize, 2017 Shanghai Excellent Technology Leader, 2019 Wenzhou Outstanding Talent and other honors.
Mr. Gaven Chai is Vice President of Honeywell Industrial Automation (IA) and General Manager for China. As a member of the top management team globally, Mr. Chai is responsible for leading the overall operation and management of IA in China and driving the implementation and development of core strategic businesses in the Chinese market.
Honeywell Industrial Automation (IA), with a deep history in industrial automation that spans more than five decades, is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions to empower process industry operations, optimize asset performance management, enhance personnel and environmental safety, and promote automation transformation across various industries. While deeply rooted in China, Honeywell IA continues to implement the key strategies of “East for East” and “East to Rest” to effectively drive the localization process.
Mr. Chai has over 20 years of expertise in the automatic identification sector as well as rich experience in corporate management. He joined Honeywell in 2009 and has been taking on leadership roles ever since. Prior to this, Mr. Chai served as China President of Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS). Under his leadership, Honeywell SPS established extensive partnerships with manufacturing companies across multiple industries. These collaborations were instrumental in addressing business challenges, developing lean production systems, and realizing intelligent production and operational processes - to empower the transformation and upgrade of smart manufacturing for enterprises.
Clay Chandler is Fortune’s Asia editor. Based in Hong Kong, Clay oversees Fortune’s editorial operations throughout the region, contributes feature articles, commentary, and news analysis to the magazine and Fortune.com, and leads the Asia- and China-based conferences. Clay writes Eastworld, a twice-weekly newsletter with analysis of developments in Asian business, finance, and technology. Clay returned to Fortune after a six-year stint at McKinsey & Company. He worked previously for Fortune as Asia Editor in Beijing, and before that covered business, economics, and technology in the U.S. and Asia as senior staff writer for the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Post. Clay has lived in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, and Tokyo, and reported from every major Asian capital. He speaks Mandarin and Japanese, is a graduate of Harvard University and a former fellow of Harvard’s John King Fairbank program on Chinese studies.
Chen Dingding is a Professor at the School of International Studies at Jinan University, a doctoral supervisor, and the Associate Dean of the Institute for Belt and Road Initiative and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Studies, and the Institute for 21st Century Silk Road Studies at Jinan University. He is also the Founding Director of the Intellisia Institute, a newly established independent think tank focusing on international affairs in China. He served as the Vice-President of the International Studies Association for the Asia Pacific region from 2014 to 2018. Currently, he is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Global Public Policy Institute (GPPi) in Berlin, Germany, and at the SAIS of Johns Hopkins University. He is also a Fellow at the Tsinghua Center for Global Studies. His research interests include international relations theory, China-US relations, Chinese diplomacy, and international public opinion. He earned his PhD in Political Science from the University of Chicago in 2007. Before joining the University of Macau as an Assistant Professor from 2009 to 2016, he was a China and the World Program Fellow at Harvard University (2006-2007) and a Visiting Instructor in the Department of Government at Dartmouth College (2007-2009).
Chen Dingding’s main academic works include the book “Help the World Understand CHINA,” the edited volume “International Relations Forecast: Theory and Practice,” and translated works such as “Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap?” and “Why Nations Fight: Past and Future Motives for War”, among others.
He has published numerous academic articles and political commentaries in various national and international journals, including International Security, The Washington Quarterly, and International Studies Quarterly.
Additionally, he is a columnist for the renowned international affairs English-language magazine, The Diplomat, a member of the 11th Council of the Guangdong People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and was recognized as one of the “Highly Cited Chinese Researchers” by Elsevier in 2022 and 2023.
Hui joined the leading home furnishing brand IKEA in 2010, and with 15 years of experience in IKEA, Hui has acted as Global Category Leader in IKEA of Sweden, New Business Manager in IKEA Purchasing Operation Area East Asia, Platform Development Leader in IKEA of Sweden and now she is the President of IKEA Supply Area East Asia, based in Shanghai.
She is a leader with excellent leadership, international view, and innovative thinking. Over the past decade, she successfully introduced Chinese office chair manufacturers into IKEA comprehensive product development system, through a global sourcing strategy. Starting from scratch, she built a new business team in East Asia and led the team to successfully introduce new materials such as recycled PET, and renewable plastic PLA to IKEA. Led the development of modular platform for IKEA's table and chair series, which accounted for 10% of IKEA global business volume. This platform innovation significantly reduced product development time while enhancing efficiency and quality. And now, Hui's leadership elevated her supply region to the top position in IKEA's global rankings, to develop and support the supply business for IKEA products in East Asia. Her series of achievements have not only made an indelible contribution to IKEA global business growth but have also made a positive impact on the optimization, upgrading, and development of the furniture industry in China, as well as the circular economy development.
Graduated from Xi’an Jiaotong University with a Bachelor’s Degree of Industrial Design and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden with a Master’s Degree of Production and Operation Management. In October 2023, Hui was ranked in "Fortune" China Most Power Women Future List for 2023.
Ms. Siyuan Chen has been Vice President, General Manager of Bristol Myers Squibb for China & Asia Cluster, President of China since January 2023, to take on responsibilities to oversee Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia markets.
Siyuan is a true leader, full of passion for people and patients. With strong leadership and rich experience in both China and international markets, she has a clear strategy for Bristol Myers Squibb to be a bio-pharma leader of innovation in China & Asia Cluster and is committed to accelerating the realization of Bristol Myers Squibb’s vision - transforming patients' lives through science in the region.
Since joining Bristol Myers Squibb as the President & General Manger for China in December 2019, Siyuan has demonstrated strong leadership which was pivotal in strengthening the local talents and organization in China. In 2020, Siyuan has led Bristol Myers Squibb China team to successfully formulate and launch the “China 2030 Strategy”. Through a series of innovative access models, Bristol Myers Squibb China accelerated the introduction of a variety of global breakthrough medicines or indications into China, improving patient access in the core areas of oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular. The company also has built up strategic partnerships with a diversified range of stakeholders to bring more innovative medicines to more patients in China and around the world faster. Meanwhile, Siyuan has led to strengthen the talent strategy around the corporate values of “Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Passion, Accountability, and Inclusion”. She placed great importance on the development of local talents and proactively worked to expand the organization. As a result of her vision, Bristol Myers Squib was awarded as “Top Employer China” for three consecutive years, awarded “Best Workplaces™ in Greater China” as well as “Great Place to Work® in China” several times, and the “2023 DEI Employer® Awards (China)”.
As a leader committed to shaping the industry environment in China, Siyuan is currently the Vice Chairman of the 6th Council of the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment (CAEFI), a member of the 2024-2025 Executive Committee of CAEFI’s R&D-based Pharmaceutical Association Committee (RDPAC), and the Vice Chairman of the China Association of Pharmaceutical Commerce (CAPC).
In recognition of her commitment and influence on the industry, Siyuan was awarded by Fortune, the world’s leading business media, as one of China’s 50 Most Influential Business Leaders in 2023 and was awarded by Harvard Business Review as one of China New Growth Pioneering Champions in 2023. She has also been named to the Fortune China Most Powerful Women (MPW) list and the Forbes China 100 Outstanding Businesswomen list for consecutive years.
Prior to Bristol Myers Squibb, Siyuan held several senior management roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis. She also worked for the Boston Consulting Group as a consultant. Siyuan received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Fudan University, an MBA degree from the Columbia Business School, and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts.
Xudong Chen is currently the Chairman and General Manager of IBM Great China Group (GCG) and is accountable for overall performance of IBM GCG across multiple business units.
Xudong Chen is a transformational and transboundary business leader with over 30 years of management experience across industries and cultures. He started his career as a software engineer in 1992 and progressed to achieve an outstanding track record of business leadership, bringing proven results of growth within an environment of transformational dynamics.
Prior to IBM, Xudong Chen assumed senior management roles in Lenovo, Meituan, Yangtze Memory and other companies, where he accumulated rich management experience and business expertise. In his 24 years with Lenovo from 1993 to 2017, his career spanned marketing & sales, channel management, business operations, quality management and regional management, covering PC, smart phone, and global services businesses. During his tenure as the President of Lenovo’s China CEO, Xudong Chen led the charge in driving Lenovo’s rise to the absolute leader in China’s computer market.
Between 2017 and 2022, Xudong Chen took senior leadership roles in Sanpower, Meituan and Yangtze Memory.
Xudong Chen obtained his Bachelor's degree in Statistics from Peking University in 1989 and Master's degree from the same university in 1992. He completed the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program at China Europe International Business School in 2007. He and his family currently live in Beijing.
WELCOME REMARKS
REMARKS BY THE HOST CITY
SETTING THE AGENDA
PANEL DISCUSSION: “Changes and Opportunities”- Chief Economists’ Perspectives
The World Bank’s early 2024 Global Economic Prospects report paints a cautiously optimistic picture about the future: Despite an improvement in near-term prospects, the global outlook remains subdued by historical standards. In 2024-25, growth is set to underperform its 2010s average in nearly 60 percent of economies, comprising over 80 percent of the global population.
Amidst evolving challenges, Fortune will convene a summit with chief economists to dissect economic shifts, pinpointing risks and opportunities. Their insights will arm corporate leaders with a macroeconomic roadmap for strategic decision-making and action.
INTERVIEW: Harnessing Technology for Growth
Innovation, powered by technology, is pivotal to corporate leaders’ quest to transform their companies from large to formidable and from excellent to exceptional.
The ongoing technological and industrial revolution is accelerating, with advancements in key areas driving a substantial increase in productivity. Amidst the evolving landscape, Fortune Global 500 companies are strategically embracing advanced technologies to secure transformative innovations, essential for sustained growth. We invite the most representative star enterprises to share insights on leveraging cutting-edge technologies to elevate productivity and competitiveness.
PANEL DISCUSSION: MNCs’ Strategies in China
Data from the Fortune Global 500 list reveal that China plays a significant role in the global operations of numerous multinationals. As the world’s second-largest economy, China is not only a major manufacturing hub but also the fastest-growing consumer market. This makes it a key growth driver and strategic priority for multinational companies. Some have deepened their engagement in China, moving beyond market expansion to encompass R&D, production, and sales, targeting not just commercial gains but also sustainable, innovative collaborations with domestic entities for shared advancement. As China’s reform and opening-up deepen and the global economy faces fresh challenges, multinationals must also start devising new strategies for the Chinese market.
NETWORKING BREAK
PANEL DISCUSSION: Brand Management and Product Marketing in the Intelligent Business Era
In the era of digital and AI-driven commerce, the way brands operate and market their products is undergoing unprecedented changes. Firms are leveraging data to optimize product mix and pricing strategies, employing machine learning for personalized recommendations, using artificial intelligence to forecast consumer preferences, and adjusting inventory and production accordingly. How can brands apply AI to empower brand value, market strategies, and consumer relationships?
PANEL DISCUSSION: Change and Economic Growth in Finance
As technology develops rapidly, the financial sector is in the midst of a transformation unlike any seen before, with innovations like digital currencies revolutionizing the way banks operate. These shifts enhance service efficiency and invigorate economic growth. The challenge lies in safeguarding the security and sustainability of these financial innovations. How can we harness this innovation to better serve the real economy and foster inclusive growth?
PANEL DISCUSSION: Capital Confidence, Patience, and Long-Term Value Creation
“Patient capital” has become a buzzword in China, highlighting a long-term perspective and confidence in the future. Capital confidence is fundamental, while patience is essential for cultivating enduring value. Both are crucial for entrepreneurship and investment, in terms of sustainable or exponential value returns. How to sustain confidence and patience amid market volatility? How do investors reconcile short-term gains with long-term value creation? What roles do private and state capital play in driving tech innovation and industrial renewal?
SWITCH BREAK
LUNCHEON
SWITCH BREAK
PANEL DISCUSSION: New Missions and Challenges for Pharma Giants
As a steward of human well-being, healthcare is a field where advancements are palpable. Its mission—to safeguard life and health—is timeless. The boost from technology is propelling breakthroughs in drugs, devices, and surgical procedures. Amidst this backdrop, pharmaceutical titans are embracing new missions and challenges. Using AI role in drug development, navigating patent cliffs and protections, and expanding pipelines through M&A’s, industry leaders are innovating with business models and technology to meet the demands of the new era.
PANEL DISCUSSION: New Energy Order
The energy sector is in the throes of a transformation as renewable energy surges and fossil fuel reliance wanes, signaling a new era, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). How do traditional energy companies navigate the evolving market? How can renewables maintain long-term growth momentum? And the enduring question: How to construct a robust and sustainable energy system for the future.
PANEL DISCUSSION: AI Transforming Business, Industries and Jobs
AI will boost the global economy by $13 trillion by 2030. IMF studies show that AI will impact developed economies first, because of the prevalence of cognitive-intensive jobs in these countries. It could affect 60% of the workforce, half of whom will see higher productivity and pay while the other 30% will risk job losses and wage drops. Drawing on these two key data sets, we examine AI’s role in reshaping industries and fostering new business models. How can businesses evolve their talent strategies to nurture an AI-ready workforce?
PANEL DISCUSSION: A Resilient and Robust Supply Chain
A McKinsey survey, revealing 89% of companies are enhancing supply chain resilience and monitoring supply-demand dynamics, underscores a heightened sense of risk in the face of an evolving macro environment. Meanwhile, pioneering companies have begun forming resilient and robust supply chains adept at navigating complexities and embracing change. How can we ensure a supply chain that’s robust, resilient, green, and secure? Let’s hear from the experts.
NETWORKING BREAK
PANEL DISCUSSION: New Ventures & Breakthroughs: Large Firms Step Out of Comfort Zone
As the market evolves rapidly, the growth trajectory of many large companies involves venturing beyond their comfort zones to seek new ventures and achieve breakthroughs. How can they discern strategic opportunities and risks as part of their transformation? How to strike a balance between the pressure for short-term results and the commitment to long-term investments in new business exploration? And, how do large companies invigorate their internal dynamics in the innovation process?
PANEL DISCUSSION: From the Sky to the Sea: Expanding Economic Frontiers
With an enduring drive to master the cosmos and the ocean depths, humanity is now reaching for what was once unattainable, thanks to advances in manufacturing and exploration technologies. Defined as strategic emerging sectors, the low-altitude economy, marine economy, and commercial aerospace are thriving with policy support and investment. Yet, challenges like infrastructure, technology, regulations, business models, applications, and consumer habits must be methodically addressed. While the future remains hazy, one truth stands clear: land, oceans, and skies are all resources. In the relentless pursuit of economic growth, humanity’s voyage knows no end.
PANEL DISCUSSION: A Tipping Point in Manufacturing
Every industrial revolution and groundbreaking technological advance has propelled the manufacturing sector forward, raising the bar for the industry. In the current landmark era, the manufacturing industry is being revolutionized by the integration of cutting-edge technologies like information technology, automation, artificial intelligence, and Internet of Things, leading to a remarkable leap in both production efficiency and quality. At the same time, the sector also faces unprecedented challenges from the reconfigured global supply chain and changes in the international trade environment.
CLOSING REMARKS
SWITCH BREAK
COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND AWARD CEREMONY
SWITCH BREAK
DINNER
GUANGZHOU BUSINESS TOUR
Route 1: Tianhe District
09:00-09:10 Depart from Intercontinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center to Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Financial Center (10mins)
09:10-09:30 Review of the business environment of Tianhe Central Business District (10mins)
09:30-09:45 Depart from Guangzhou Chow Tai Fook Financial Center to Guangzhou International Finance City Integrated Management Service Center (15mins)
09:45-10:15 Review of the planning and construction of Guangzhou International Financial City (30mins)
10:15-10:40 Depart from Guangzhou International Finance City Integrated Management Service Center to XAG (20mins)
10:40-11:10 Visit XAG (30mins)
11:10-11:40 Return to Intercontinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center (30mins)
11:40 End
Route 2:Haizhu District
09:00-09:20 Depart from Intercontinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center to iFLYTEK (20mins)
09:20-10:00 Visit iFLYTEK (40mins)
10:00-10:20 Depart from iFLYTEK to Rootcloud Technology (20min)
10:20-11:00 Visit Rootcloud Technology (40min)
11:00-11:20 Return to Intercontinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center (20min)
11:20 End
*This route can accommodate about 20 guests at the same time. If the number of applicants for Route 1 and 2 does not exceed 10, the two routes will be combined into one full-day route.
Route 3: Huangpu District
10:00-10:40 Visit Guangzhou Development Zone and Huangpu District Planning Exhibition Hall (40min)
10:40-11:00 Depart for Guangzhou Shiyuan Electronic Technology Company (20min)
11:00-11:40 Visit Guangzhou Shiyuan Electronic Technology Company (40min)
Lunch is included in this route
14:00-14:40 Visit Guangzhou HeyGears Intelligent Technology (40min)
14:40-15:10 Depart for Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology (30min)
15:10-15:50 Visit Guangzhou EHang Intelligent Technology ( Commentary in Chinese only ) (40min)
WELCOME REMARKS
REMARKS BY THE HOST CITY
SETTING THE AGENDA
PANEL DISCUSSION: “Changes and Opportunities”- Chief Economists’ Perspectives
Dr. Shen is Global Chief Economist and Head of Global Institute for Supply Chains, Guangfa Securities. He served as Chief Executive Officer of GF Holdings (Hong Kong) Corporation Limited between 2019 and 2021. Before joining GF in 2017, he served as Chairman and Chief Economist at CEBM, Caixin Insight Group between 2015 and 2017. He served as Managing Director, Head of China Research, and Greater China Chief Economist at Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited between 2009 and 2015. He was Chief Economist at CAIJING magazine from 2008 to 2009. He took the role of Chief Economist and Director of Economic and Market Analysis at Citibank (China) Co. Ltd between 2005 and 2008. He taught at the China Center for Economic Research, Peking University, where he served as Associate Professor from 2002 to 2005. Dr. Shen also worked as a research fellow at two government policy arms from 1988 to 1994, the Research Center for Rural Development, and Development Research Center, both under the State Council. He received his doctoral degree in economics from Stanford University in 2001.
INTERVIEW: Harnessing Technology for Growth
PANEL DISCUSSION: MNCs’ Strategies in China
Mr. Gaven Chai is Vice President of Honeywell Industrial Automation (IA) and General Manager for China. As a member of the top management team globally, Mr. Chai is responsible for leading the overall operation and management of IA in China and driving the implementation and development of core strategic businesses in the Chinese market.
Honeywell Industrial Automation (IA), with a deep history in industrial automation that spans more than five decades, is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions to empower process industry operations, optimize asset performance management, enhance personnel and environmental safety, and promote automation transformation across various industries. While deeply rooted in China, Honeywell IA continues to implement the key strategies of “East for East” and “East to Rest” to effectively drive the localization process.
Mr. Chai has over 20 years of expertise in the automatic identification sector as well as rich experience in corporate management. He joined Honeywell in 2009 and has been taking on leadership roles ever since. Prior to this, Mr. Chai served as China President of Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS). Under his leadership, Honeywell SPS established extensive partnerships with manufacturing companies across multiple industries. These collaborations were instrumental in addressing business challenges, developing lean production systems, and realizing intelligent production and operational processes - to empower the transformation and upgrade of smart manufacturing for enterprises.
Alex Gu serves as Senior Vice President and President of Medtronic Greater China. Based in Shanghai, he is a member of Medtronic Executive Committee since January 2018.
Previously Alex held the role of Vice president of Regional Growth Initiatives and was business leader for Greater China Minimally Invasive Therapies Group (MITG). He joined Medtronic in 2015 upon the close of the Covidien acquisition. At Covidien, he was President of China region and had overseen all the businesses and functions since 2009.
Before Covidien, Alex was in various leadership positions at McKinsey & Company, General Electric, and Sabic, both in the United States and China. He started his career as a member of the GE Edison Leadership Program (ELP), then served several roles with increasing responsibilities within GE Healthcare in the U.S.
As one of AdvaMed China Council's founding members, Alex was elected Chairman of the AdvaMed China Board in January 2023. He holds the role of Independent Non-Executive Director of a Hong Kong-listed pharmaceutical company.
Alex's contributions to healthcare industry earned him the prestigious Shanghai Magnolia Award in 2021. The 14th Health China Forum named him one of the Top 10 Healthcare Leaders in 2022.
Alex holds an MBA from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. He is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute China Fellowship Program and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
NETWORKING BREAK
PANEL DISCUSSION: Brand Management and Product Marketing in the Intelligent Business Era
Gilles Leclerc is President of Greater China and Mongolia Operating Unit of The Coca-Cola Company. Before this role, he was the President of The McDonald's Division (TMD) of The Coca-Cola Company.
With Leclerc’s leadership, TMD of The Coca-Cola Company has been growing business in nearly 38,000 restaurants in over 100 markets around the world. He was responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the division and execution of major initiatives in key areas of the world to deliver profitable growth the Coca-Cola systems and McDonald’s. Prior to this role, Gilles was the Senior Vice-President, TMD International.
Leclerc is a company veteran who joined The Coca-Cola Company in 1998 and went on to hold roles of increasing responsibility in France, China, Singapore and the United States. He led global customers teams such as Carrefour, Metro Group and Système U, in addition to serving as general manager, key customers, for The Coca-Cola Company in China. In this position, he managed top national accounts, both retail and on-premise, with responsibility for category management, trade marketing, finance, HR, supply chain and capability teams.
Before joining The Coca-Cola Company, Gilles worked in the marketing, banking and human resources sectors, in both the United States and France, his native country. Leclerc holds an MBA from The Barney School of Business, University of Hartford in Connecticut.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Change and Economic Growth in Finance
Luke Lu is Citi Country Officer and Head of Banking in the People’s Republic of China. He is responsible for all of Citi’s business and franchise operations in China and is based in Shanghai. Luke is also President and Board Director of Citibank (China) Co., Ltd. (“Citi China”), Citi’s locally incorporated entity in China.
Luke is a Citi veteran with 25 years of banking experience in Hong Kong and Mainland China. He joined the firm in 2002 in Shanghai. During his career with Citi, Luke has held various senior leadership positions including Chief Operating Officer for China Global Banking, Head of Commercial Banking and most recently he led the corporate banking coverage of the large local corporate client segment. Luke was also Branch Manager for Citi in Tianjin and Shanghai for a few years.
In addition, Luke heads Citi China Green Finance Working Group. The Group coordinates franchise efforts to assist our clients navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities as the world heads towards a low-carbon economy while also contributing to Citi’s global ESG goals. Luke is also a strong advocate of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion).
Luke holds a bachelor degree of Computer Science from Fudan University.
Nicole Zhou is a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company with over 20 years of consulting experience in banking, asset management, and insurance. She currently leads McKinsey’s Financial Institutions Group in China, and McKinsey’s Retail Banking Practice across Asia. Nicole advises domestic and international banks on their growth strategy and transformation. Her areas of expertise include wealth and asset management, retail banking, digital innovation, customer experience, organization, etc. Nicole also advises global banks and financial institutions on their China strategies and partnerships.
Nicole also leads McKinsey’s Client Capabilities Network (CCN) in Asia, heading a team of 2,000 professionals across more than 20 offices in the region, and has established expertise centers in twenty key industry and functional areas. In China, she combined McKinsey's classic methodologies with digital training approaches to establish the McKinsey China Academy, empowering large-scale capability building for Chinese enterprises and employees, while also supporting the capability enhancement of social welfare groups.
Nicole is the main author of a series of white papers including: “The Phoenix Rises: Remaking the Bank for An Ecosystem World – McKinsey Global Banking Annual Review”; “McKinsey China Banking Quarterly”; “China Banking Transformation and Innovation”, etc.
Ms. Zhou holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor's degree from Fudan University.
PANEL DISCUSSION: Capital Confidence, Patience, and Long-Term Value Creation
Niu Jian, Party Secretary and Chairman of Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group Co., Ltd.
Mr. Niu Jian, with a master's degree and a Senior Economist,joined Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group in August 2022, serving as Deputy Party Secretary, Vice Chairman, and General Manager. Since January 2024, he has held the positions of Chairman and Party Secretary of the group. Prior to this, Mr. Niu served as Deputy Director of the Hangzhou Development and Planning Institute, Deputy Party Secretary, Deputy Director, and Chief Engineer of the Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology.
Mr. Niu has extensive experience in industrial research and state-owned capital investment operation. During his tenure, he led Hangzhou Industrial Investment Group to become the first state-owned enterprise in Hangzhou to enter the Fortune Global 500. He also has been committed to leading the company to contributing to the construction of the five industrial ecosystem of Hangzhou City, as well as the generating of new quality productivity.
SWITCH BREAK
LUNCHEON
SWITCH BREAK
PANEL DISCUSSION: New Missions and Challenges for Pharma Giants
Ms. Siyuan Chen has been Vice President, General Manager of Bristol Myers Squibb for China & Asia Cluster, President of China since January 2023, to take on responsibilities to oversee Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia markets.
Siyuan is a true leader, full of passion for people and patients. With strong leadership and rich experience in both China and international markets, she has a clear strategy for Bristol Myers Squibb to be a bio-pharma leader of innovation in China & Asia Cluster and is committed to accelerating the realization of Bristol Myers Squibb’s vision - transforming patients' lives through science in the region.
Since joining Bristol Myers Squibb as the President & General Manger for China in December 2019, Siyuan has demonstrated strong leadership which was pivotal in strengthening the local talents and organization in China. In 2020, Siyuan has led Bristol Myers Squibb China team to successfully formulate and launch the “China 2030 Strategy”. Through a series of innovative access models, Bristol Myers Squibb China accelerated the introduction of a variety of global breakthrough medicines or indications into China, improving patient access in the core areas of oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular. The company also has built up strategic partnerships with a diversified range of stakeholders to bring more innovative medicines to more patients in China and around the world faster. Meanwhile, Siyuan has led to strengthen the talent strategy around the corporate values of “Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Passion, Accountability, and Inclusion”. She placed great importance on the development of local talents and proactively worked to expand the organization. As a result of her vision, Bristol Myers Squib was awarded as “Top Employer China” for three consecutive years, awarded “Best Workplaces™ in Greater China” as well as “Great Place to Work® in China” several times, and the “2023 DEI Employer® Awards (China)”.
As a leader committed to shaping the industry environment in China, Siyuan is currently the Vice Chairman of the 6th Council of the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment (CAEFI), a member of the 2024-2025 Executive Committee of CAEFI’s R&D-based Pharmaceutical Association Committee (RDPAC), and the Vice Chairman of the China Association of Pharmaceutical Commerce (CAPC).
In recognition of her commitment and influence on the industry, Siyuan was awarded by Fortune, the world’s leading business media, as one of China’s 50 Most Influential Business Leaders in 2023 and was awarded by Harvard Business Review as one of China New Growth Pioneering Champions in 2023. She has also been named to the Fortune China Most Powerful Women (MPW) list and the Forbes China 100 Outstanding Businesswomen list for consecutive years.
Prior to Bristol Myers Squibb, Siyuan held several senior management roles at GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis. She also worked for the Boston Consulting Group as a consultant. Siyuan received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Fudan University, an MBA degree from the Columbia Business School, and a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts.
Mr. Li Zhong has extensive international experience in the healthcare, retail, and consumer goods sectors. He has served in senior executive positions at prominent businesses across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the US, with a broad range of responsibilities that include operation leadership, corporate finance, mergers, acquisitions, and equity investments.
Mr. Zhong joined WBA in 2008. He assumed the role of President of Asia Pacific in 2021, responsible for WBA’s extensive regional portfolio, including directly managed businesses, joint ventures as well as equity and fund investments. Mr. Zhong currently serves as Vice Chairman of Guoda Drugstore (China's leading pharmacy chain with over 10,000 stores). Additionally, he is a Standing Committee Member of the China Association of Pharmaceutical Commerce (China’s industry body for pharmaceutical distribution and retail pharmacy).
Prior to his current role, Mr. Zhong was WBA Group Vice President of Global M&A and Development at its global headquarters in Chicago, where he played a key role in driving the Group’s strategic deals focusing on healthcare services and digital innovations, including the oversight of WBA's corporate venture arm and fund investments.
Mr. Zhong’s previous boardroom experience includes serving on the boards of several pharmaceutical services and healthcare technology companies in the US, Europe and China. Before joining WBA, he held several management roles at Procter & Gamble UK/Europe.
Mr. Zhong earned his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics with Computer Science from the University of Cambridge. He is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
PANEL DISCUSSION: New Energy Order
Dr. Hui Cao is the Chairman and Founder of REPT BATTERO Energy Co., Ltd. He has steered the company to success since its founding in 2017, overseeing the development, production, and sales of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and advanced energy storage systems. He led the largest investment project and major investment construction project in the research and development and production of large-capacity lithium batteries in Zhejiang Province, with a project investment of more than $909 million, and has built a smart factory with an annual output of 26GWh, with an output value of more than $1.4 billion.
Dr. Hui Cao is a distinguished engineer and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in the battery and battery materials industry. He has led two major 863 Program projects, applied for 80 patents (with over 50 granted), and published over 20 papers, including 5 in SCI journals. He also led the development of Wending battery technology featuring batteries with higher density, improved safety, and faster charging speed. He led the REPT BATTERO "high-performance lithium-ion battery entrepreneurial team" successfully selected into the 2020 Zhejiang Province leading entrepreneurial team.
He earned his Ph.D. at the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He has won the 2009 Shanghai Youth Science and Technology Star Program (Class A), the 2014 Shanghai Space Administration Ten Outstanding Young People, the 2015 Shanghai May Fourth Youth honorary title, the 2015 Shanghai Science and Technology Invention Award third prize, 2017 Shanghai Excellent Technology Leader, 2019 Wenzhou Outstanding Talent and other honors.
Mr. Will Li, President of Linde Greater China, is responsible for Linde’s overall business management and development in Greater China.
Will joined the legacy Praxair in 1994 and worked for Shanghai Praxair-Baosteel Inc., then a joint venture. Over the past decades, he held various senior management positions in Praxair China and Asia, from which he has derived extensive expertise as Director of Applied Technology and Director of Marketing and Product Management at Praxair China, and later Director of Product Management at Praxair Asia. He was appointed Vice President of Praxair East China in October 2010 and President of Praxair Greater China in June 2015.
In 2019, Praxair Inc. merged with Linde AG to form the New Linde Company. In December of the same year, Will was appointed President of Linde Greater China.
Will has a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Northern Jiaotong University and master’s degree in Business Administration from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics.
PANEL DISCUSSION: AI Transforming Business, Industries and Jobs
Xudong Chen is currently the Chairman and General Manager of IBM Great China Group (GCG) and is accountable for overall performance of IBM GCG across multiple business units.
Xudong Chen is a transformational and transboundary business leader with over 30 years of management experience across industries and cultures. He started his career as a software engineer in 1992 and progressed to achieve an outstanding track record of business leadership, bringing proven results of growth within an environment of transformational dynamics.
Prior to IBM, Xudong Chen assumed senior management roles in Lenovo, Meituan, Yangtze Memory and other companies, where he accumulated rich management experience and business expertise. In his 24 years with Lenovo from 1993 to 2017, his career spanned marketing & sales, channel management, business operations, quality management and regional management, covering PC, smart phone, and global services businesses. During his tenure as the President of Lenovo’s China CEO, Xudong Chen led the charge in driving Lenovo’s rise to the absolute leader in China’s computer market.
Between 2017 and 2022, Xudong Chen took senior leadership roles in Sanpower, Meituan and Yangtze Memory.
Xudong Chen obtained his Bachelor's degree in Statistics from Peking University in 1989 and Master's degree from the same university in 1992. He completed the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program at China Europe International Business School in 2007. He and his family currently live in Beijing.
Dr. Chun Wu is the Managing Partner of BCG Greater China, leading the business in this region.
Since 2021, she has led BCG's expert team in Greater China to provide consulting service for hundreds of leading multinational companies and large local Chinese enterprises, help clients tailor solutions to meet their business objectives, empower organizational growth, and actively drive corporate transformation and sustainability.
Dr. Chun Wu is also a senior expert in healthcare industry. She has served various multinational and local healthcare clients on strategic and operational topics, covering healthcare reform impact and growth strategy; R&D, especially new technology platforms; goto-market and business excellence; commercial excellence and digital transformation; and organization change.
In addition, Dr. Wu Chun is a frequent guest speaker at various top business forums. Recently, she has been invited to attend high-end forums and conferences such as the China Development Forum, Boao Forum for Asia, Summer Davos, Fortune Global 500 Summit, and World Artificial Intelligence Conference, leading industry trends on cutting-edge topics such as business innovation, digital economy, and sustainable development.
Dr. Chun Wu holds a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Peking University and a PhD in genetics from Yale University.
PANEL DISCUSSION: A Resilient and Robust Supply Chain
Hui joined the leading home furnishing brand IKEA in 2010, and with 15 years of experience in IKEA, Hui has acted as Global Category Leader in IKEA of Sweden, New Business Manager in IKEA Purchasing Operation Area East Asia, Platform Development Leader in IKEA of Sweden and now she is the President of IKEA Supply Area East Asia, based in Shanghai.
She is a leader with excellent leadership, international view, and innovative thinking. Over the past decade, she successfully introduced Chinese office chair manufacturers into IKEA comprehensive product development system, through a global sourcing strategy. Starting from scratch, she built a new business team in East Asia and led the team to successfully introduce new materials such as recycled PET, and renewable plastic PLA to IKEA. Led the development of modular platform for IKEA's table and chair series, which accounted for 10% of IKEA global business volume. This platform innovation significantly reduced product development time while enhancing efficiency and quality. And now, Hui's leadership elevated her supply region to the top position in IKEA's global rankings, to develop and support the supply business for IKEA products in East Asia. Her series of achievements have not only made an indelible contribution to IKEA global business growth but have also made a positive impact on the optimization, upgrading, and development of the furniture industry in China, as well as the circular economy development.
Graduated from Xi’an Jiaotong University with a Bachelor’s Degree of Industrial Design and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden with a Master’s Degree of Production and Operation Management. In October 2023, Hui was ranked in "Fortune" China Most Power Women Future List for 2023.
Silvia Ding has been appointed Managing Director for Maersk Greater China Area, effective 1 January 2024. Before this, she held the position as Senior Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer for A.P. Moller - Maersk since April 2021, and joined the Maersk Executive Leadership Team in December 2022. Silvia served as Global Head of Ocean Products for Maersk Line in Copenhagen, Denmark from January 2017 to April 2021.
Silvia Ding joined Maersk in 1999 and has held various management positions in China before becoming tManaging Director of Maersk Filipinas in 2010. She then became Regional Chief Financial Officer for Maersk Line North Asia Region from 2011 to 2014 and was appointed Managing Director of Maersk Line South China the following year. Her last position before moving to Copenhagen was Vice President and Managing Director of Maersk Line Greater China, based in Shanghai, from January 2016.
Ms. Ding is a Chinese national. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and the School of Business and Management at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Lars Eckerlein is General Manager, ABB (China) Limited, and Country Holding Officer, ABB in China. In these roles, Lars is responsible for ensuring ABB’s local compliance and serves as a spokesperson for ABB in China.
Lars joined ABB China as Chief Financial Officer in 2015 from EY where he was a partner for Fraud Investigation and Dispute Services and previously for Assurance and Advisory Business Services.
Lars has worked in Germany, USA and China, and has been based in Beijing since 2004. He is an active member of the local business community, having served as Treasurer of the European Chamber of Commerce and currently serving as Vice President of the Swiss Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Lars has passed professional qualifications as US Certified Public Accountant, German Certified Public Accountant and German Tax Advisor. He has a degree of European Master of Management from EAP European School of Management (now ESCP Europe).
NETWORKING BREAK
PANEL DISCUSSION: New Ventures & Breakthroughs: Large Firms Step Out of Comfort Zone
梁湖清,广州市建筑集团有限公司党委书记、董事长,俄罗斯工程院外籍院士,享受国务院特殊津贴专家,教授级高级工程师、经济研究员,博士。从事工程建设领域相关工作30余年,获得中国建筑业十大杰出贡献领军企业家、全国工程建设领域科学技术杰出成就奖、中国经济百名杰出人物、全国省市优秀援疆干部人才、建筑业品牌管理十大杰出贡献领军人物、广东省优秀企业家、广州市“岭南英杰工程”后备人才等多个荣誉称号,连续4年带领广州建筑集团入选《财富》世界500强企业榜单,2024年位列第361位。
彭建国,中国国资国企研究院院长,国资委中央企业智库联盟创盟副理事长兼秘书长(司局级),国务院国资委研究中心原副主任,国企管理智库副理事长,中国资本50人论坛常务理事,浙大、北师大、中山大学客座教授,央视特约财经评论员,研究员,博导,著名经济学家,部分行业协会和央企高级技术职称评审委员会主任。国务院国资委厅局级干部20多年,先后在国家计委、国务院生产办、国家经贸委机关和国资委研究中心工作。
Shu Hai joined Haier Group in 1995 and acted as head of development department, quality department, overseas marketing department of washing machine industry. Since 2009, he became the general manager of Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co., Ltd. Since 2014 till 2024, he has been the vice president of Haier Smart Home and the general manager of the washing industry. From 2024, He is vice president of Haier Smart Home and the general manager of the global R&D platform.
PANEL DISCUSSION: From the Sky to the Sea: Expanding Economic Frontiers
Dr. Guo Liang, is the CEO and chief scientist of AEROFUGIA of Geely Technology, Deputy Director of Intelligent Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology Research Center of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, leading talent listed in the National 10,000 Talents Program of China, scientific and technological innovation and entrepreneurship talent of the Ministry of Science and Technology, recipient of the May Fourth Medal in Sichuan Province and candidate for academic and technical leader of Sichuan Province.
Dr. Guo Liang has long been engaged in the development of various unmanned aerial systems, the research of cutting-edge unmanned systems technology and the construction and delivery of overall solutions of unmanned systems. He has won the first prize of Military Science and Technology Progress, May 4th Youth Medal in Sichuan Province, China's 40 Business Elites Under 40 Years Old of Fortune and other honors. At present, he is focusing on building the eVTOL industry, including urban air travel, low altitude logistics and other sectors.
Colin JAMES, was appointed as Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in China effective from 1st September 2022. Prior to this appointment, he was the Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters UK.
Colin started his career at Airbus Helicopters in the Design Office in 1992. Since then, he has amassed a great wealth of experience in the company. He participated in some key and successful international programs since 2001; managed all Communication and Navigation systems development contracts across the full range from 2006; appointed as the Vice President Engineering Test, Simulation and Services in 2009. From 2014 and onwards, Colin has been focusing on increasing the industrialization of the company in UK and responsible for all business activities of Airbus Helicopters in UK.
His focus is now firmly on the successful development of China’s helicopter market in close cooperation with our Chinese industrial stakeholders, network partners and customers.
Colin is a computer scientist, with 2 grownup children, who enjoys both cycling and motorcycling, when not skiing.
Dr. Justin Gong is the Co-founder of XAG. Graduated from Université Paris Dauphine, Justin specializes in rural economics and agricultural innovation research. For more than 10 years, he has been dedicated to promoting and scaling up digital technology in agricultural production world-wide. In 2016, Justin Gong founded XAG Academy, which so far has trained more than 140,000 talents for smart agricultural application. Before joining XAG, Justin was a documentary film producer in Australia.
PANEL DISCUSSION: A Tipping Point in Manufacturing
Jing Guangjun, Male, Han nationality, born in June 1972 in Shenyang, Liaoning Province.
He is the Doctor of Engineering, Associate Professor and Senior Economist, currently working as Chairman of the Board, secretary of the Party Committee of Guangzhou Industrial Investment Holdings Group Co., Ltd and member of the 13th Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. He has been engaged in the research of integrated artificial intelligence applications for a long time and is committed to collaborative innovation in the fields of intelligent manufacturing and industrial Internet applications.
He has presided over and completed more than 10 national, ministerial (provincial) and municipal scientific research projects, presided over and completed more than 30 "digital city" and "smart city" application research and development projects, and won the national, provincial and municipal scientific and technological progress awards for many times.
Helen Liu is a partner in our Advanced Manufacturing & Services, Customer Strategy & Marketing and Performance Improvement practices, based in Shanghai.
She mainly advises multinational clients across China, focusing on the automotive, machinery and medtech sectors. Her most recent engagements have involved strategy, performance improvement, mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and operating model transformation.
Notably, Helen has led a China-based commercial excellence project for one of the world's largest machinery firms, generating >15% annual growth over 3 years.
Apart from her client work, she is our Greater China Women at Bain champion and is also deeply involved in our Greater China MBA recruiting efforts.
Prior to joining the firm in 2011, she worked in operations and technology for Citibank. She also worked in the tax department of another top consulting firm.
Helen holds an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and an M.S. from Nanjing University.
Otis has a long and proud history in China – dating back more than 130 years. Today, the region is marked by rapid urbanization and the rise of the digital era, granting Otis new and ongoing opportunities to deliver innovative solutions to its customers.
As President of Otis China, Sally is responsible for evaluating and responding to these market dynamics to ensure continued growth and development of the Otis business in China, while focusing on the digital transformation across our Service, field installation, manufacturing and enterprise operations. Based in Shanghai, she leads her teams to develop and implement strategies that drive customer satisfaction and ensure the safe, comfortable and reliable riding experience they have come to expect from Otis.
Sally joined the Otis family more than two decades ago, and has held roles of increasing responsibility across Asia. She was named CFO of Otis China in 2015, COO in 2022, and Executive Officer of Otis Worldwide Corporation and President of our China region in 2023.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore and an MBA from the University of Manchester (UK).
Ian Shih has served as President of Rockwell Automation China since July 2018, responsible for overall business operations in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Ian Shih is the first Chinese president of Rockwell Automation China.
Since joining Rockwell Automation in 2008, Ian has accumulated rich cross-regional and cross-cultural management experience in China, North America, South America, and Europe. After taking office as the president of China, Ian led the team to actively promote the implementation of smart manufacturing and ESG practices in the China market in the vison of industrial upgrade and net-zero achievement, as well as the globalization for eco-partners.
Ian Shih holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and a master's degree in manufacturing business management from Pennsylvania State University. In addition, Ian Shih was also selected as the country advisor of Expert Group of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Industry Alliance of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Vice President of Shanghai Overseas Economic and Technological Promotion Association, Vice President of Shanghai Yangtze Delta Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Promotion Center, and Vice President of Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Association.
CLOSING REMARKS
SWITCH BREAK
COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND AWARD CEREMONY
SWITCH BREAK
DINNER
GUANGZHOU BUSINESS TOUR
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