About Us

Kirsten is an award-winning brand strategist and designer with over 25 years industry experience working across many international markets including Hong Kong, Australia, the UK and China. She founded her brand consultancy, JWDK, in 2003 in London and expanded her business to China in 2014. Kirsten has deep expertise in place branding and Chinese cultural identity and completed her IMBA in China 2019 with distinction.

She has been an active member of BritCham Shanghai since 2017 and successfully led the rebranding programme of the Chamber in 2020 as well as launched the Creative Industries & Marketing Committee in 2021. She is a Global Scot and former Vice Chair of BritCham Shanghai. Kirsten succeeded as Chair in 2024.

Ted is a seasoned corporate executive. He has a diverse industrial and automotive background in his past 20+ years’ experience serving leading global companies including JD Power, Danaher, Stanley Black & Decker and Smiths Group.

Born and brought up in Beijing, Ted and his family have lived in Shanghai for over 12 years. He is the Vice Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai.

Ted’s leadership philosophy is “The only way to make big things happen is to taking people with you”. His leadership style, rich industry background and extensive global and China local networks will bring great values to the British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai and its members.

Acting as the senior representative of University of Edinburgh in East Asia, Grace is responsible for raising the profile and advancing engagement across the region, looking after the strategic and ambitious partnership the university has with governments, private sectors, and research institutes. Grace plays a leading role in the China Strategy for the university. She also leads her team to develop diverse activities including alumni engagement, research collaboration, developing connections and opportunities for the university across East Asia.

Prior to the role, Grace worked for the British Consulate General Shanghai for over 7 years as the Senior Political officer, leading the UK Government’s Civil Society and value-based initiatives, while managing the Official Development Assistance fund in East China.  Grace has been nominated as a Global Scot by the Scottish Development International, for her continuous efforts in strengthening the links between Scotland and Asia.

Steven moved to Shanghai in 2002, where he currently works as an Audit Partner at KPMG servicing European multinational companies operating in China. Steven is also responsible for KPMG China’s digital transformation programme.

Prior to 2002, Steven worked in Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea and is originally from London, where he trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1996.

Steven has previously been both the Treasurer (2009-11) and Vice-Chairman (2011-13) of the British Chamber Shanghai, being involved in supporting the Chamber’s business, social and back-office activities. Steven will continue to contribute to the Chamber, its sustained future, and to benefit its membership.

Alex Roberts has been working in Shanghai with British-headquartered law firm, Linklaters LLP, since 2012 and previously studied and worked in Beijing (first in 2005). Alex has been involved with the Chamber almost since arriving in Shanghai and am proud to have seen its development over this time with a dedicated group of staff and members. Alex is passionate about continuing to drive British and international business opportunities in China through his legal expertise and network, helping to organise framework for knowledge-sharing events and improving the dialogue between the UK and China for the good of all stakeholders.

Daniel Aylmer is the Chief Executive Officer of Greater China, overseeing the IHG Greater China market-based in Shanghai. In this role, Daniel is entrusted with driving the management, growth, and profitability of the region to new heights.

Daniel’s expertise in hotel operations and deep understanding of the Chinese market have enabled him to lead IHG’s Greater China region with continued success. Previously, Daniel held the position of Managing Director for IHG Greater China from 2021 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in steering the region’s growth by executing strategic priorities, enhancing performance, and fostering an excellent reputation. Before this, Daniel served as Chief Operating Officer for IHG Greater China, where he provided strategic direction for all managed and franchised full-service hotel operations, contributing significantly to the region’s rapid expansion. Daniel’s journey with IHG began in 2016 when he joined as Vice President of operations, North China. Since then, he has cultivated strong strategic relationships with IHG’s owners, key customers, and stakeholders while leading hotels to achieve exceptional performance results.

A native of the United Kingdom, Daniel boasts a rich background in hospitality across Europe, the US, and Asia. With over 20 years previously at Starwood, he brings invaluable expertise to IHG. Daniel also serves on the executive committee of the British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, actively promoting the economic and trade exchanges between China and the UK.

Dr Terry Creissen has worked in a variety of schools in the UK prior to leading international schools in China, Europe, and the Middle East. Between 1994 and 1997, he was a Board Member of the UK Training Development Agency for Schools.  He was a qualified UK and International School Inspector and advisor to school Governing Bodies. He was Managing Director of Nord Anglia schools in India before moving back to Shanghai as Regional Managing Director, China International Schools.

In addition to his degree and teaching qualifications, he has an MA, MBA, a Doctorate in Education and was awarded the OBE in June 1997 for Services to Education.  He is a keen musician, a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts (FRSA), and a long-time member of Mensa. Terry is committed to support the work of the Chamber, enhancing Anglo-Sino partnerships for the benefit of all concerned. Terry is married to Deirdre with whom he has three grown sons.

Gayle Lacey has been with the HSBC Group for the last 19 years; working in the Middle East, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Latin America, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Gayle is currently the Chief Risk Officer for HSBC China and moved to Shanghai in June 2021.  HSBC China’s network, which has the largest number of outlets and the widest geographical reach of any foreign bank in China, continues to expand. Gayle leads the Risk function in proactively managing all of the risks across the bank, which has a +USD6bn PBT and +USD36bn loans and advances to customers, ensuring the business is sustainable, safe and positioned for growth.

Previously, Gayle was the UK Chief Operating Officer for Commercial Banking.  HSBC UK Commercial Banking supports businesses of all sizes; with a million customers and a PBT of c.GBP1.5bn.

Gayle graduated from the University of Bath in the UK with a B.Sc. in International Management.

In her spare time, Gayle loves to cook and to explore new places, especially trying new cuisines and learning about different cultures.

As the North Asia Regional Vice President of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA & CIMA), Vicky Li oversees the operation in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Mongolia, South Korea, and Japan.

She is also Secretary General, CGMA 100 – the North Asia Management Accounting Leaders Think Tank.

In her early career, she served as the China Chief Representative of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and was later promoted to the Country Director.

She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).  She holds an EMBA from the China Europe International Business School and a master’s degree from the University of Birmingham, UK.

Vicky has served as an advisor for MPAcc (master’s in professional accounting) program at Antai College of Economics & Management, Shanghai Jiaotong University, a guest professor at Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics, and a visiting professor at Xi’an International Studies University.  She was also a TV commentator of China Business Network (CBN) in Boss Town, Brainstorming and Unlock Financial Intelligence.

Garry has spent the last 30 years as a leader in outstanding organisations across the globe; in the UK, Bahrain, Dubai, Thailand and, for the last eight years, in China. Garry is now the Head of College at Dulwich Pudong, one of the largest employers of British staff in the region with a diverse workforce. Garry is an active member of many local and regional organisations, including fellow chambers, ACAMIS, FOBISIA and SISA (Shanghai International Schools Association). Whilst living in Guangzhou, Garry was a member of the BritCham Guangdong Executive Committee, as well as the Chairperson of the Educational Sub-Committee for three years. Garry sees great value in the Chamber as an organisation that builds connections, knowledge and trust across a diverse community; a community that is fortunate enough to live in such a vibrant and dynamic city. In his spare time, Garry is a devout baseball fan and season ticket holder of the LA Dodgers.

Richard Shore has over 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry, with almost a decade of experience in the Chinese market, including President for Marketing, Sales & Service, and CFO for JLR China. During the latter period, Richard was also acting JLR China CEO for 18 months. Other executive roles Rochard has held in JLR since 2005 include Commercial Planning Director, Transformation Director in Business Strategy and Global Sales Controller in Finance.  Prior to joining JLR, Richard spent 15 years with Ford Motor Company in a variety of executive roles including the Director of Strategy for Ford in Europe.

Richard has extensive global experience, having worked in China, Japan, the US, Germany, and Portugal. In addition, he has extensive experience throughout his career in joint ventures whether setting them up or working in them. 

Richard has served on a number of external boards as a trustee in areas such as the Arts, Education and Museums. Richard holds an MBA from the Manchester Business School and a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Sheffield. Richard is a keen classic car collector.

Stephanie Chen has been Chief Representative of Shanghai Office, John Swire & Sons (China) Ltd since August 2021. She is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with local governments and Swire’s stakeholders, coordinating Swire’s activities, and assisting in Swire’s new business investments and strategic developments in Shanghai.

Before taking up her current role, Stephanie worked as Senior Manager at John Swire & Sons (China) Ltd Hong Kong Office; prior to which she was Head of Business Development at Swire Environmental Services Ltd since 2007, where she oversaw the company’s investments and development of water supply and sewage treatments in China. Before Swire, she spent 10 years in the Chinese water industry. Stephanie has also worked and lived in Singapore.

Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration. She holds public positions as a member of the CPPCC Shanghai Jing’an District Committee, an executive member of the Shanghai Women’s Federation, and an executive member of the Hong Kong Shanghai Chamber of Commerce.

Siyao is the Managing Partner for ERM China, the largest global pure-play sustainability consultancy. He brings a wealth of knowledge in ESG consulting, Climate Change advisory, and sustainability strategies.

Prior to ERM, Siyao spent nearly 20 years in corporate and investment banking, and central bank and public policy, lived and worked in Australia, UK, China mainland and Hong Kong.

Siyao is a historian and economics by training. Currently, he is pursuing part-time doctoral research in medieval global history, at the University of Oxford, on the pre-modern exchange of commodities, culture, and climate.

Specialised in global specialty insurance & reinsurance, extensive experience and leading roles with top tier global (re)insurance risk carriers cross continents and business disciplines, covering underwriting, strategy, operation, M&A, investment, platform consolidation and optimisation.

Previous roles include Underwriter at Lloyd’s of London; Head of Greater China for Catlin & XL Catlin Group, also member of Asia Pacific Executive Committee (covering 8 countries and 13 offices across APAC); Assistant President of Fosun Insurance Group; CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Lloyd’s China. Currently President of Thames Investment and Chief Advisor of Zillion Capital.

Graduated from Peking University, Cass Business School and London Business School. Degrees include MSc & EMBA.

Nicky is a brand strategist with two decades of success in both multinational and independent agency environments across Asia, advising leading global brands on their marketing and communications strategies.

She was a co-owner of the China-based communications agency Red Bridge with offices in Shanghai and Beijing. Built from the ground-up over 12 years to a 120-people award-winning business, the agency was fully acquired by WE Worldwide in 2021, with Nicky appointed as CEO to continue leading its China operation.

Nicky embodies the qualities of a next-generation leader – she leads by example, encourages cross-discipline collaboration, and advocates client consultancy over client servicing. The agency follows a non-traditional approach, inverting the top-down ways of working in China and championing diversity and inclusion across gender, nationality, and regional representation.

Under her leadership, her teams led the successful launch of many brands in China, fostering long-lasting client partnerships across a diverse range of sectors. WE Red Bridge has been consistently recognized by global and regional awards including Cannes Lions, Sabre and PRWeek Awards. Nicky herself was named a Woman to Watch in 2020, and Young Business Leader of the Year in 2019 by Campaign Asia.

A highly sought-after expert on China’s marketing landscape, Nicky is frequently invited to sit on regional award juries, including PRWeek Asia Pacific, Sabre Awards Asia Pacific, The Drum Global PR Awards and Greater China Digital Media Awards.

With 33 years of investment banking and M&A experience,  Gabriel is PwC China Inbound/Outbound Leader, and Deals Markets Leader. He heads the PwC Corporate Finance of 100 professionals focusing on equity fundraising for Chinese companies and leads advising M&A transactions for both foreign direct investment in China and Chinese outbound investment.  Gabriel is also responsible to develop and execute PwC’s global cross-border activities for China corporates and B&R strategy by connecting the PwC China firm and the PwC global network across all related industries.

In the last few years, Gabriel has completed a number of high-profile M&A transactions and infrastructure investment as well as city development projects in China, including US$5.6 billion acquisition of GE’s global home appliance business by Qingdao Haier, HK$10.6 billion acquisition of Dah Sing Insurance by Tahoe Investment, acquisition of Japan Sanyo by Qingdao Haier, Rmb 6 billion sales of Fujian Sedrin Brewery to INBEV, Lead PPP FA on Rmb 85 billion Shenzhen International Expo Center, PPP FA on Rmb 60 billion Jinan-Qingdao High-Speed Railway, Lead FA on Rmb 50 billion Shenzhen-Baoding Cooperative Industrial Park, Lead PPP FA on Rmb 45 billion Fosun Zhejiang High-Speed Railway, Lead PPP FA on Rmb 20 billion Chongqing Metro Line 3 etc.  In 2007, he completed transactions with a total value of RMB 172 billion.

In addition, Gabriel has been awarded a number of M&A industry awards and has been invited to play key positions in several significant organisations as below:

• “Best Corporate Finance Advisory Service” by China M&A Association in 2009 and 2013;
• “Deal of the Year” award by China M&A Association in 2016;
• “M&A Accountancy Firm of the Year” by Mergermarket China in 2017;
• “2018 Belt and Road Innovation Service” by 21st Century Media in 2018;
• “Best M&A Advisors” by SINA Finance in 2019;
• Deputy Director of Shanghai International Economic And Technological Cooperation Association;
• Deputy Director of the Belt and Road Financial Cooperation Committee of the Asian Financial Cooperation Association;
• Sub-committee member of China M&A Association.

Cat Sinclair-Jones is the Director of the British Council in East China, with responsibility for leading the UK’s cultural relations and educational exchange work in the three Eastern provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, as well as Shanghai Municipality. She holds the diplomatic rank of Consul where she manages the UK’s education and cultural relationship on behalf of the British Consulate General Shanghai.

She was appointed to the role in December 2022, following three years in Sub-Saharan Africa as Director Tanzania and previous posts in Pakistan and Turkey. Cat has a passion for equality, diversity and inclusion and is an experienced mentor. She holds a master’s in Medieval History and prior to joining the British Council in 2015 she worked in Public Affairs across the Education and Justice sectors in the UK.

As the head of BritCham Shanghai, Stuart’s ambition is to drive the continued support and growth of the chamber in line with the members’ needs and evolving business and political environment both in China and at home. Examples of these activities include Government to business round tables, regional East China activities and leading the chamber flagship events including the new British Day, the annual ESG Summit & Awards and the British Business Awards.

Stuart brings to his position over 20 years of UK & international leadership experience covering trade & investment, operations, & project-based experience in world-leading hospitality corporations, as an entrepreneur and in Government.  Prior to taking on this role, Stuart was head of Agriculture, food & drink, trade and investment for the UK Department for International Trade.  His China journey started in 2010, moving to Dubai to join the Shangri-la, Pudong as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage during the World Expo followed by several years as an entrepreneur, starting and operating the Tap House bar & restaurant group.

Stuart holds a Degree in International marketing and communications from Staffordshire University in England and is an active member of many community groups including Heart 2 Heart and lives in Shanghai with his wife Emily, daughter Lilli & two dogs.

As the head of BritCham Shanghai, Stuart’s ambition is to drive the continued support and growth of the chamber in line with the members’ needs and evolving business and political environment both in China and at home. Examples of these activities include Government to business round tables, regional East China activities and leading the chamber flagship events including the new British Day, the annual ESG Summit & Awards and the British Business Awards.

Stuart brings to his position over 20 years of UK & international leadership experience covering trade & investment, operations, & project-based experience in world-leading hospitality corporations, as an entrepreneur and in Government.  Prior to taking on this role, Stuart was head of Agriculture, food & drink, trade and investment for the UK Department for International Trade.  His China journey started in 2010, moving to Dubai to join the Shangri-la, Pudong as Assistant Director of Food & Beverage during the World Expo followed by several years as an entrepreneur, starting and operating the Tap House bar & restaurant group.

Stuart holds a Degree in International marketing and communications from Staffordshire University in England and is an active member of many community groups including Heart 2 Heart and lives in Shanghai with his wife Emily, daughter Lilli & two dogs.

Janet graduated from East China Normal University in 2007 and began her career as a press & communications officer for a start-up Shanghai-based international rally team. Janet travelled with the SWRC champion team in China, Asia-Pacific, the Middle-East and Europe, promoting the international image of the team and interviewing top drivers, senior engineers and industry legends.

Joined the Chamber in 2011, Janet now oversees the Chamber’s marketing communications, events and business committee teams. Janet also manages the Chamber’s government outreach as well as special projects such as British Business Awards, ESG China Awards.

In her spare time, Janet enjoys travelling, visiting museums and exhibitions, classical concerts and musical theatre.

A native speaker of both English and French, with excellent Mandarin, Adam Davis is a British-born cultural ambassador of many years. At the LSE Confucius Institute, he studied Chinese Language and Culture for Business, obtaining further scholarships to Tsinghua University and a full one-year scholarship at Beijing Language and Culture University, where he received the award for outstanding achievement. A classically trained pianist and jazz saxophonist, he holds a Master’s in Music and Media from the University of Sussex, UK.

Adam has played an integral role in many high-profile cultural events and initiatives – connecting business leaders and governmental agencies in the UK, France and China. In 2020, in recognition of his contribution to UK-China media relations, he was invited to the House of Lords.

As Business Development Manager, he brings to the Chamber a genuine enthusiasm for people, international cultural and business exchange, and a desire to help members from different regions and sectors connect and expand.

As the first Zhejiang Office Manager of BritCham Shanghai, Vivian is dedicated to establishing a friendly environment within the region that supports and empowers our members while upholding the Chamber’s values and heritage.

Graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Master’s Degree in Social Administration, Vivian started her career in the South African government in 2018, then she moved to New York City and became a fundraiser for UNICEF and Smile Train. Her career in China lies on the strategic side as she worked for Didi Ride and Orient Gene Biotech from 2020 to 2023.

Vivian is very fond of classical music and purr friends. She is a licensed mental therapist and is also keen on sports like skydiving, paragliding, kayaking, rock climbing and many more.

Yalu was born and grew up in Shanghai. She relocated to Yorkshire, UK and graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University (Master of Science in Accounting) in 2002. After that, She worked for a shipping company in London as an accountant and ACCA qualified in 2008.

Prior to 2012, Yalu worked for the UK Debt Management office, Hackney Homes Limited as a management accountant and Analyst in the UK. In 2012, She moved back to Shanghai and worked for a Chemical company as an APAC finance manager.

Yalu Joined BritCham Shanghai in 2023 as a financial controller, responsible for the Chamber’s finance and accounting, treasury management, regulatory compliance, and business support with membership and event teams.

Yalu has many years of cross-industry experience in financial management. She is passionate and loves life to all. Her best-loved sports are swimming, cycling and hiking.

Wendy graduated from the University of Western Australia with a combined Commerce/Law degree. Having obtained her ACA qualification with BDO Chartered Accountants and Advisers (Australia), Wendy lived and worked in the UK for about ten years before relocating to Shanghai. She worked for the subsidiary of an Australian-listed company in Shanghai and was previously the Company Secretary of AustCham Shanghai. In 2021, Wendy was appointed as Accounting/Finance Manager for a WFOE coffee company and was responsible for the company’s financials, as well as assisting with other ad hoc administrative tasks.

Wendy joined BritCham Shanghai in 2024 as an Administration Executive, assisting the Chamber’s finance, membership and event teams. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys baking, travelling and playing the piano.

Yiwen Ling, a graduate of the University of Glasgow in 2016 with a master’s degree in International Strategic Marketing, brings a rich background of diverse experiences in the financial industry.

With a solid foundation in project management, CRM, and data analysis, Yiwen‘s journey reflects her dedication to professional growth. What sets Yiwen apart is her ardent enthusiasm for eco-business, fueled by a genuine passion for sustainability and innovation. Yiwen’s passion is about fostering meaningful connections and building bridges that strengthen the ties between China and the UK.

Yiwen supports a range of committees and related activities, reflecting her commitment to fostering positive change within her community.

In her spare time, Yiwen enjoys nature, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Ira graduated from Shanghai Normal University in 2015 and began her career as a Trade Services Executive, assuming responsibility for resource allocation. In 2018, she was promoted to Project Manager with a focus on Retail and E-commerce. She took the lead in many large research projects and trade missions from the UK to help UK businesses find the correct pathway for market entry, including Santander missions, Great British Brands Festival events, UK-China Consumer Week, and China Beauty Expo virtual trade mission.

Ira joined the Chamber in 2021 and now serves as a Key Account Manager, focusing on maintaining relationships with existing Chamber members and providing full support for key members and government events.

In her spare time, Ira enjoys travelling, snorkelling and diving.

Diana graduated from Warwick Business School in the UK in 2019 with a master’s degree in Business with Marketing. She launched her career in marketing and communications in the private international education industry. Previously Diana also gained working experience in public relations and employer branding.

Diana joined the Chamber in 2021 as Media & Communications Executive. She is responsible for managing and operating the Chamber’s digital channels, and producing content in various formats.

Outside of work, Diana loves symphony, classicism art and baking. She is also a wine enthusiast and holds the qualification of WSET Level 3 Awards in Wines.

Bale Xu graduated from the University of Manchester in the UK with a master’s degree in International Fashion Marketing. He has worked in an IHG hotel and in market research agencies, accumulating skills in project execution and data insight. He is good at planning, always pays attention to details, and values critical thinking.

Bale Xu joined the Chamber in 2024 as an Events Executive, supporting and coordinating various chamber activities.

Outside of work, he enjoys football, travelling, and exploring new things.

Eloise Zhang graduated from the University of Western Australia (Master of Business Information and Logistics Management) in 2019. She worked as a content creation executive in an Australian Agri-tech startup company. After moving back to Shanghai, she joined an advertising agency, providing digital marketing services for a global leading FMCG brand. She has experience in project management, CRM and business analysis. She is passionate about working for international business and digitalisation.

Eloise supports a range of Committees and related activities including Creative Industries & Marketing, Financial Services, Small & Medium Enterprises, Technology & Innovation, Women in Business. Eloise also supports the Chamber’s Talent Development Programme 2022.