Member Article

Manchester China Forum appoint executive director

The Manchester China Forum has appointed Rhys Whalley to be its executive director, for which he will leave his position as head of business development for Jones Lang LaSalle in Beijing.

Mr Whalley has worked in China for almost nine years and hopes to enhance the economic and cultural ties between China and the North West region through this new role.

Soon to be based in Manchester, he will bring with him a wealth of experience from a former post as the business manager for the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

The Manchester China Forum board, which includes Bruntwood, BT, Deloitte, M.A.G., The Peel Group and PTG Holroyd Precision, said they chose Mr Whalley because of his Chinese connections and expertise in navigating multinationals through China’s sometimes challenging business climate.

He will also bring with him an advanced understanding of the Chinese language, which the board also indicated is a huge benefit.

Mr Whalley said: “As China becomes an increasingly dominant force in twenty-first century global trade, it is of paramount importance that Manchester sets in place a clear strategy that allows it to nurture long-term economic ties with the country.

“The establishment of the Forum and senior-level backing is a clear indication of the city’s determination to lead the way in forging closer links, something that I am very excited to be involved in.”

Lord Wei, non-executive director of Manchester China Forum, added: ““I’m delighted with Rhys Whalley’s appointment, which underlines Greater Manchester’s commitment to take a dynamic and hands on approach to building relations with China and Chinese businesses and city leaders.

“He has tremendous experience, contacts and cultural understanding and will help us boost the region’s readiness to grow East.”

Manchester Airports Group chief executive, Charlie Cornish, said: “The Manchester-China Forum is a historic venture that has set its sights on linking Manchester with the world’s fastest growing major economy.

“In order to create the long lasting connections necessary we require a leader with a wealth of expertise, and so we’re pleased to have Rhys appointed to the position.

“His involvement adds to our confidence in the project and he will help to cement Manchester’s future as a strong global business presence in the Far East.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .