Beijing, China, 7 September 2022 – Liming Chen has been appointed Chairman and Chief Representative Officer of the World Economic Forum’s Beijing Representative Office, responsible for coordinating the Forum’s activities in Greater China, including the Annual Meeting of the New Champions.
Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, said: “Liming Chen brings tremendous experience to the World Economic Forum and will strengthen the role of our China office as an integrated pillar in our efforts to promote global cooperation by addressing those key challenges where cooperation of government with business is needed.”
“It is an honour and privilege to join this greatly trusted global institution that promotes public-private cooperation and innovation to shape a shared future for China and the world at a time of challenges and uncertainties,” Liming said. “The world needs a platform that is neutral and impartial for meaningful dialogue for all stakeholders and the World Economic Forum is playing that critical role.”
About Liming Chen
Liming Chen joins the World Economic Forum as Chairman and Chief Representative Officer of its China office. Prior to this, he was Chairman of IBM Greater China Group, 2015 to 2022, and President of bp Greater China, 2008-2015. Liming’s career path spans various industries and roles. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Xinjiang Shihezi Agriculture College in 1982 and a master’s degree from Cornell University in 1989. He and his family are based in Beijing.
The World Economic Forum Beijing Representative Office was established in 2006 to provide an emerging market-based centre for Forum activities, in addition to offices in Geneva, New York and Tokyo. The China office has more than 40 full-time staff members and supports the Forum’s work across all areas, particularly government, business and public relations in China, as well as engagement with its Chinese communities of Forum Members, Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Global Future Councils. The office is also responsible for leading coordination of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions, a global gathering held in China that focuses on innovation, particularly in science and technology.