Shanghai, China — The British Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (BritCham Shanghai) reaffirmed its position and outlined clear priorities for the future, while reflecting on a year of achievement, as it brought members together for its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21 January.
The AGM followed a landmark year, marking 110 years since BritCham Shanghai’s founding in 1915. Amid global complexity, the meeting highlighted the Chamber’s resilience and its continued role as a trusted platform supporting British and international businesses in China.
Matt Burney, CMG, British Consul-General in Shanghai, opened the meeting with insights on the operating environment and the value of dialogue and cooperation:
“The 110th anniversary of the Chamber isn’t just a milestone — it’s proof of the resilience, creativity and spirit of our UK–China business community.
BritCham Shanghai is a vital bridge between government and business, and a community where people support each other and get things done. Together we can build a relationship that is not only strategic and consistent, but also personal, dynamic and full of promise.”
The AGM reports highlighted continued growth, with membership on a positive trajectory and Platinum membership increasing. Over the past three years, overall membership grew by more than 30%, reinforcing the Chamber’s resilience and long-term sustainability. More than 200 activities were delivered in 2025, with total participation exceeding 8,000 attendees.
Outgoing Chair Kirsten Johnston reflected on 2025:
“This has been an extraordinary year for BritCham Shanghai — marked by deepened engagement, strategic dialogue and our 110th anniversary. Our purpose remains unchanged: to support our members and serve as a bridge between UK and China business communities. I hand over the Chair role with immense pride and complete confidence in the strength of this organisation and its people.”
A highlight of the AGM was the announcement of the 2026 Executive Committee election results. Members congratulated the new leadership team, including Chair Edward Weeks (HSBC), Vice Chairs Anthea Wang (JLR China) and Harriet Sheffer (OUTFORM), as well as Strategic Adviser Vicky Lord (Harneys).
Incoming Chair Edward Weeks expressed his commitment:
“I am incredibly honoured to have been appointed as Chair, and I look forward to working with all of our members, as well as the Executive Committee, other Committee members and our external stakeholders and partners. The Chamber exists to serve and connect its members and provides a sense of shared purpose, understanding and support — that is what makes our community so valuable. I welcome your feedback, ideas and engagement as we move forward together in 2026.”
Looking ahead, BritCham Shanghai will continue to support members and strengthen engagement through its three pillars, Advocacy, Knowledge, and Community, while maintaining efficient operations and delivering value across all activities. Plans in 2026 include flagship events such as the Sustainability & Innovation Awards, the Government Dinner, the Great British Day Out and the relaunch of the British Ball, alongside expanded knowledge programmes, advocacy initiatives, and enhanced policy engagement through the bi-weekly regulatory digest.
Closing the AGM, BritCham Shanghai reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with members, partners, and stakeholders to foster collaboration, insight, and opportunity. With strong foundations, renewed leadership, and a clear strategic focus, the Chamber looks forward to an active and impactful 2026, continuing to serve as a vital bridge between the UK and China business communities.
BritCham Shanghai Executive Committee 2026:
– Chair: Edward Weeks (Senior Executive Vice President, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited)
– Vice Chairs: Anthea Wang (Executive Vice President, Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, JLR China); Harriet Sheffer (Head of Strategy & Commercial, OUTFORM)
– Treasurer: John Chattock (Partner, KPMG Shanghai)
– Consultant Director: Alex Roberts (Partner, Head of China TMT, Co-Head of Games and Interactive Entertainment, Linklaters LLP)
– Policy Adviser: Chris Dunn MBE (Associate, Brunswick Group)
– Strategic Adviser: Vicky Lord (Managing Partner, Harneys)
– Committee Ambassador: Vicky Li (Regional VP, North Asia, AICPA&CIMA)
– Brand & Comms Ambassador: Daniel Lyons (Director of Communications, Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong)
– International Representative: Ray Chisnall (Industrial, Manufacturing & Logistics Sector Lead, Gleeds)
– Co-opted Members: Stephanie Chen (General Manager, Chinese Mainland – Shanghai, John Swire & Sons), Siyao Jiang (China Managing Partner, ERM), Joanne Wood (Founder and Managing Partner, Capital Eight)
– Ex-Officio Members: Matt Burney, CMG (British Consul-General, Shanghai), Sohail Shaikh (Deputy HM Trade Commissioner for China), Cat Sinclair-Jones (Director East China, British Council), Stuart Dunn (Executive Director, BritCham Shanghai)
– Chair Emeritus: Kirsten Johnston (Founder & CEO, JWDK)
