Announcing the candidates for BritCham China’s Executive Committee 2023-24

Introducing the candidates running for the British Chamber’s Executive Committee for 2023-24.

The Executive Committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting and defines the strategy of the Chamber, works closely with the Chamber’s secretariat team to deliver on the strategy for our members. Please click ‘Read More’ to read the full bios of each candidate. 

At this year’s AGM we will be electing one Chair, two Vice-Chairs, and six At-Large members. The AGM will take place on Tuesday, 20 June, at The Opposite House, Sanlitun.

Julian Fisher

Co-founder, Venture Education

“I have been actively involved with the British Chamber for five years serving both as vice chair and the chair of the chamber’s education forum. During that time, I have brought dynamism, creativity, and community-building to the chamber; as well as an increasingly keen sense of how best to support our members in China.

As Chair of the chamber, I will ensure that we continue to grow our influence both in China and the UK, that members feel tangible benefits and as engaged as possible, and that we deliver innovative opportunities and solutions that support the growth of British business in China.”

Bio: 

Julian spent nearly a decade teaching history and history of art in Harrow Beijing (which he joined in its founding year) while also working as an IELTS examiner for the British Council.

In the latter job, speaking to thousands of Chinese students, he understood first hand the challenges that many of them faced in developing confidence, making ideas happen and moving beyond education to lead fulfilling and meaningful careers and lives. Then he met Zhubei and in the first year of Venture they talked. A lot. He leads the consultancy arm of Venture that supports schools, universities and education organisations to thrive in China.

Julian is the Vice Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China and Chair of the Chamber’s Education Forum which includes driving initiatives such as Employability Week and the Young Professionals Development Programme. He is also a mentor for Durham University, former president of the China North Entrepreneurs’ Organization and a strategic advisor for the innovative edtech platform Globiliti. He graduated with a joint degree in History of Art from UCL and SOAS and has a masters in Antiques from UCLAN.

Chris Torrens

Partner, Control Risks

I work for a specialist risk consultancy that provides geopolitical, regulatory and compliance support for multinational companies – areas where British organisations (including the Chamber) face unprecedented challenges.

I have lived and worked in China for more than 20 years and have been an ExCo member since 2022. As vice chairman I will bring this experience to drive advocacy with the Chinese and British governments.

I hope you will consider me for this position, albeit among an outstanding field of candidates.

Chris Torrens

Partner, Control Risks

I had the privilege to serve as Vice Chair of BritCham for the past two years. I found my niche contributions to add value to ExCo and would like to continue the journey with the British Chamber, and with three priorities. Advocacy, insights and diversity.

1. How to better convey our messages to the Chinese government and media;
2. As an economist and MD of The Economist Group I hope to contribute to members top analysis on China;
3. Continue to champion for gender equality. I want us to matter.

Hong Zhang,

VP China Downstream Strategy, NBD, Acquisition & Divestment, Shell

I believe British companies have a significant role to play in China’s post-COVID economic recovery and reopening. By joining the EXCO of BCCC, I would like to support the member companies to gain competitiveness by using the Chamber as a platform to learn how to do business in China, enhance our joint influence to the Chinese and UK government and have fun together.

Daisy Shen

Head of Climate and Sustainability, KPMG China

Having been on the Exco for the past six years, I feel that it is time for me to step up to run for the Vice Chair position in the Exco. I will bring not only the depth and breadth of industry expertise as a seasoned partner in KPMG, the support from KPMG, a large global organisation, but also my passion in Energy Transition, ESG and sustainability. The Green Chamber Initiative and the Position Paper energy chapter drafting are examples of the interaction and support by KPMG provided to the Chamber. Going forward, I look forward to making more contributions and make greater impact in my seventh year with the Chamber

With over 20 years of legal experience in China, as an entrepreneur, and a parent of three young children, I grasp the challenges and opportunities faced by British businesses and individuals. If reelected to the Executive Committee, I will persistently champion SMEs, ensuring their voices are heard and they receive crucial support to thrive in China. As the owner of a wellbeing consultancy and yoga studio, and as Chair of the Chamber’s Wellbeing Hub, I will also prioritize updating the 2022 Wellbeing and Resilience in the Workplace Report to further support our members and their families.

Jayne Needham
Principal, British School of Beijing, Shunyi

New to Beijing and China during the pandemic, I have relied on the British Chamber for understanding of local context as well as loving their community events.

In times of unprecedented challenge, The Chamber has been the voice of British business, promoting opportunities whilst highlighting areas in which support is needed in a balanced way.

I have over 30 years of experience in international education and have insight into the sentiment of this large and diverse community. I would be honoured to support the work of The Chamber and would bring a balanced view and dedication to supporting their work.

Justin Culkin

Business Development Director, A Trails

I am the Business Development Director at A Trails, a comprehensive travel provider for business and leisure travellers. With eight years of experience across marketing, sales, and events, I have worked in various industries including F&B, media, and entertainment. Born, raised, and educated in the UK, I have been living in China for the past 13 years, with ten years in Beijing and three years in Dali, Yunnan.

As an advocate for immersive and sustainable travel, I have explored many regions of China, believing that authentic experiences, cultural interactions, and human connections truly inspire and transform the soul. I enjoy meeting and bringing people together, thrive off building trust and relationships, but most importantly achieve fulfilment by creating value for people.

I greatly admire the chamber’s tireless dedication to supporting British businesses in China and fostering such a vibrant British-China business community. If given the opportunity to join the executive committee, my goal is to champion small businesses like ours and ensure SMEs are given the voice and support they deserve. As we navigate into the post-COVID era, I understand the challenges we face and strongly believe in the importance of knowledge sharing, community engagement, and creating opportunities for one another. I aim to bring a fresh perspective to the chamber, leveraging my China expertise and experience to benefit our member community in any way possible.

Ninette Dodoo

Chief Representative
Partner and Head of Antitrust, Competition and Trade – China
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

I have had the privilege to serve on the Executive Committee of the British Chamber for the past few years and to work alongside Executive Committee colleagues to advocate for British business. I remain committed to support the interests of British business in China. If elected, I will draw on my 20+ years of legal practice and experience of advising companies and years of service on the Executive Committee to support British business interests in China.

I have lived and worked in China since 2009. I relocated to Beijing from Brussels to assist companies, including British and Chinese, navigate China’s then nascent antitrust regime. I also advise companies on antitrust-related matters across the Asia-Pacific region. Several years of assisting companies on-the-ground provide invaluable insight into the significant opportunities available to British business in China as well as the challenges they can face when operating in an unfamiliar business environment.

As companies emerge from recent Covid-19 prevention measures, it remains critical to advocate for a business ecosystem that will enable British business – multinational companies and SMEs alike – to continue to succeed in China. The British Chamber can continue to play a pivotal role in supporting the interests of British business in China at this important juncture. It would be a privilege to continue to serve on the Executive Committee and bring my experience to bear.