Vivian Yang, Public Engagement Team, Tel: +86 (0)10 6599 9595, Email: vivian.yang@weforum.org
World Economic Forum Appoints David Aikman as New Head of China Office
Geneva, Switzerland 6 August 2015 – David Aikman has been appointed as the new Chief Representative Officer and Managing Director of the World Economic Forum’s China Office, responsible for coordinating the Forum’s activities in China, including the Annual Meeting of the New Champions.
He will succeed Olivier Schwab, who has headed the office for the past three years and is returning to the Forum’s headquarters in Geneva to assume leadership on global business engagement.
On behalf of the Managing Board, Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, said: “David will continue to build on Olivier’s great efforts to further strengthen the World Economic Forum’s presence in China. His knowledge and experience in community-building and cross-cultural communications are invaluable as the Forum looks to foster dialogues and solutions to multiple pressing global challenges that cannot be advanced without China.”
“I look forward to expanding cooperation with both China’s public and private sectors through the Forum’s platform which serves as the world’s unique and trusted partner for global public-private partnership,” said Aikman. “I have deep respect for China’s transformation and hope to nurture further exchanges with leaders so that the world can benefit from China’s experience and engagement.”
About David Aikman
Aikman has held a number of leadership positions since joining the Forum in 2003. Since July 2013, he has been a Managing Director of the World Economic Forum and the Head of the New Champion communities, which includes the Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers, Social Entrepreneurs, Technology Pioneers and Global Growth Companies. He has also been Head of Partnerships, responsible for the Forum’s highest-level relationships with corporate partners, and Head of the Professional Services Industry, comprised of law firms, accounting firms, management consultancies and executive search firms.
Prior to the Forum, Aikman worked at the International Olympic Committee in business development, marketing and licensing for seven years. He is a Swiss citizen, and he holds an MBA from IMD (Switzerland) and a BA (with honours) in English and German Literature from Dalhousie University (Canada), where he was a member of the President’s Leadership Class. Aikman earned his International Baccalaureate at Lester B. Pearson UWC of the Pacific and now serves as a Council Member of the United World Colleges.
About the World Economic Forum Beijing Representative Office
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 21 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 Global Growth Companies, Young Global Leaders, Global Shapers and Global Agenda 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.
Notes to Editors:
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