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Sir Vince Cable is a distinguished British economist, author and former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, a position he held from 2010 to 2015. He also served as Leader of the Liberal Democrats and enjoyed a long parliamentary career representing Twickenham. With decades of experience spanning economics, government and international affairs, Sir Vince is widely respected for his insights into global trade, industrial strategy, innovation and sustainable economic growth. His latest book, Eclipsing the West: China, India and the Forging of a New World, examines how the rise of China and India is reshaping the global economy, international relations, trade and climate action. His perspective speaks directly to the central theme of UESG 2026: where the world’s next growth will come from.
John McLean OBE has worked extensively with China since 1999, focusing on UK–China trade, investment, innovation and regional cooperation. A Chartered Accountant, he began his career with PwC in London and New York and has held senior leadership and non-executive roles across listed and private companies, with expertise in business transformation, cross-border investment, M&A and international operations. In 2020, he co-founded the China UK Business Development Centre, supporting British and Chinese companies with market entry, partnerships and investment. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2014.
Jeff Mostyn is a British entrepreneur and experienced football executive, best known for his former role as Chairman of AFC Bournemouth and for helping the club survive a critical financial crisis. In 2006–07, when Bournemouth was facing administration and the threat of liquidation, Mostyn provided crucial personal financial support, including a reported £100,000 investment at a critical moment. He subsequently served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman during the club’s remarkable rise from League Two to the Premier League. During his tenure, Bournemouth overcame a 17-point deduction, won the 2014–15 Championship title, and reached the Premier League for the first time in its history. Stepping down as Chairman in 2022, Mostyn continues to contribute to football and society through roles with the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust, Julia’s House, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, Dorset Cancer Care Foundation and Football for Peace. He brings a distinctive perspective on leadership, resilience, teamwork and social impact.
Sunil Chopra served as Mayor of Southwark twice and as Deputy Mayor for multiple terms. He served continuously as a local councillor from 2010 to 2026, with extensive experience in public service and community development. As Southwark’s first Mayor of Indian origin, he has championed multicultural inclusion, international engagement and collaboration between communities, businesses and local government. With a strong civic leadership background and extensive international network, Sunil brings valuable insight into cross-cultural partnerships, community development and public leadership.
Dr Amir Ali Farman-Farma is a UK family office principal and the Founder and Managing Partner of Connexion Capital LLP. He has over three decades of experience in asset management, alternative investments and strategic consulting, working with family offices, private banks and institutional clients. His work spans public markets, real estate and investment strategy, with particular experience in the Middle East.He holds a D.Phil. in Politics from the University of Oxford and a BA in History and Economics from Harvard University. He has served on the boards of the Near East Foundation and the Flora Family Foundation, and was named a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum.
Dr Bo Ji has over 30 years of international business experience across Europe, the United States and Asia. His expertise spans global business development, innovation strategy, market expansion, supply chain management, and mergers and acquisitions. He previously held senior roles at the global headquarters of several Fortune 500 companies, including Monsanto, Cargill, Pfizer, Wrigley and Mars. He later became a serial entrepreneur, investor and strategic adviser. At CKGSB, Dr Ji founded the China Start and Asia Start programmes, helping international start-ups and growth-stage companies enter China and other Asian markets. The programmes have supported six unicorn companies across 16 cohorts.
Per Wimmer is the Founder and CEO of Wimmer Family Office, which he established in 2011 with a focus on wealth protection and investments across hedge funds and real estate. Before founding the firm, he held senior roles at Goldman Sachs, Collins Stewart and MAN Group. He studied at Harvard University, the University of London, the University of Copenhagen and the College of Europe. Alongside his work in finance, Per is an author, adventurer and advocate for space exploration. His autobiography, The Sky is No Limit, won Book of the Year at the 2024 Business Book Awards. He has completed spaceflight training, travelled to more than 85 countries and supports charitable programmes that encourage children to pursue their ambitions.
Lin is a senior business leader in global capital markets, currently leading the asset management franchise at Lloyds Banking Group, where she drives business strategy, client partnerships and growth across global asset managers, asset owners and financial sponsors. Previously, at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, she drove multibillion-scale growth across public and private markets and advised senior executives on long-term capital allocation and platform integration. As a TEDx speaker and thought leader, Lin explores the intersection of finance, leadership and behavioural science, bringing psychological insights to high-stakes decision-making and performance. Her achievements have been recognised through multiple Chinese business leadership and Women in Investments awards, as well as recognition among leading women in the City of London.
Lawrence Bennett is an experienced fintech and business leader with 15+ years of experience across fintech, e-commerce and digital innovation. He currently serves as UK Country Manager at WorldFirst, an Ant International company. Previously, he was Head of Financial Services at eBay UK and founded and launched Times Money Mentor, the personal finance platform of The Times, during his time at News UK. With expertise spanning digital finance, cross-border payments and international e-commerce, Lawrence focuses on helping businesses overcome financial and market barriers, access new opportunities and achieve international growth.
Farid Moeinifar is a Principal at Cooper Family Office, a single-family office serving a Florida-based family, where he leads manager selection, direct investing and due diligence across private markets, spanning private equity, private credit, secondaries, real assets and hedge funds. He has executed and overseen commitments across the full investment lifecycle, from sourcing and diligence through to investment committee. Farid works across Europe, the Gulf and the United States, and focuses on manager selection, direct and co-investment opportunities, and the evolving priorities of the next generation of global families.
Greg Beitchman is an international media executive and strategic adviser with 20+ years of experience across global media, content and partnerships. He previously served as Vice President of Content Sales & Partnerships at CNN International, leading global content licensing, commercial partnerships and an international affiliate network of more than 1,000 broadcasters. Prior to CNN, he was Global Head of Multimedia Content at Reuters. With experience across China, Japan, India, Europe and the United States, Greg advises media, technology and content companies on cross-border partnerships, innovative business models and global audience development.
Juncheng Liang has nearly 30 years of experience in corporate strategy, international operations and capital management. His career spans film and television, cultural publishing, intelligent manufacturing, digital transformation and the internet sector. He previously served as General Manager for Greater China and Director for Northeast Asia of Schneider Electric’s sensor business, part of the Fortune Global 500 company, and has successfully led business operations across the United Kingdom, France, Germany and China. During his tenure at Ruyi Culture, he was deeply involved in the strategic development of film, television and the broader cultural industry. By combining international corporate management, cultural content and investment expertise, he brings distinctive practical insights into cross-border business growth, the integration of capital and content, and the ways cultural works can generate commercial value and global influence.
Stuart Wakeling is a Managing Partner at Henley & Partners and Head of the firm’s London and Africa offices. He has over 10 years of experience in the investment migration sector, building on 13 successful years in private banking at Coutts & Co and HSBC Private. Stuart advises high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals globally, identifying and managing risk while seeking value-creating opportunities across multiple jurisdictions, including those with challenging environments. He brings significant global experience, with a particular focus on Africa. Known for his hands-on approach, Stuart is always willing to assist new clients, is a strong international networker.
Thierry Delrieu is a French investor, entrepreneur and former professional athlete with extensive experience in international banking, finance and trading across Singapore and Hong Kong. Having lived in Hong Kong for more than 20 years, he has developed deep expertise in Asian markets and an extensive business network connecting Asia and Europe. His interests span investment, fintech, business consultancy and luxury goods, with a particular focus on supporting European brands entering the Chinese market. Combining the discipline of an athlete, financial expertise and cross-border entrepreneurial experience, Thierry brings a distinctive perspective on investment, international markets and Asia–Europe business partnerships.
Matt Sutton is an experienced technology and business leader with 25 years of experience building, scaling, selling and integrating digital and technology ventures across global markets. He has overseen more than $500 million in revenue and held C-suite and senior leadership roles across technology and telecommunications. His career includes leading Twitter’s advertising operations across Asia, running commercial teams for CBS in China, managing an ad-tech acquisition and exit, and leading more than 25 market entries. He has also built strategic partnerships with global technology companies including Facebook and Google. As an entrepreneur, investor and adviser, Matt works with founders and leadership teams to turn strategy into execution, combining growth, consultancy and capital support. A graduate of the London School of Economics, he is also an Entrepreneur in Residence at INSEAD Business School.
Stephen Bowman is a technology entrepreneur and the Chief Product Officer at MetaSim Learning Solutions, as well as a founding member of the British classical crossover group Blake. The group achieved a No. 1 UK Classical Albums Chart debut and won Album of the Year at the Classical BRIT Awards. Blake performed twice at Buckingham Palace and delivered a live performance from Trafalgar Square on the day of the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton for an American television audience. Alongside his international music career, Stephen has explored the intersection of technology and the creative industries, founding a virtual reality company focused on immersive experiences across music, gaming and well-being. Today, he works with AI and simulation technologies to transform learning and professional training, bringing a distinctive perspective on creativity, technology and innovation.
Simon Li is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), with extensive experience in finance, property investment and international business. He founded SL Accountancy Solutions in 2005 and later established China Alliance Group, which has supported more than 1,000 Chinese companies and investors entering and developing their businesses in the UK. In 2014, Simon served as Interim Finance Director for Wanda Group, helping establish its UK subsidiary and secure £1 billion in financing for property developments in London. He is also the founder of International Football Connections and a registered football agent. Simon has advised football club owners and helped UK clubs develop investment, sponsorship and commercial partnerships across Asia.
Eric Guo is a UK-based technology entrepreneur specialising in smart hospitality, automation and service robotics. He founded SPARK EPoS & Robotics in 2019, initially developing an integrated cloud platform combining point-of-sale, customer relationship management, stock control and reservation management. Following the pandemic, Eric expanded SPARK into service, cleaning and hotel delivery robotics, helping hospitality businesses address staffing pressures while improving operational efficiency and customer experience. Today, SPARK’s solutions are used by restaurants and hotels across the UK, with Eric bringing practical experience in applying AI, digitalisation and robotics to traditional industries.
Laurel Zhang is a London-based Partner Solicitor at Sherrards Solicitors LLP, where she leads the firm’s China and Southeast Asia Group. A native Mandarin speaker fluent in English, she advises businesses, investors and private clients on legal matters spanning the United Kingdom, China and wider Asian markets. Laurel has extensive experience in cross-border transactions and international business matters. Her practice covers inward investment, corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, commercial property and dispute resolution. She regularly supports Chinese and Asian clients entering the UK and European markets, while also advising UK businesses on their commercial interests and expansion across China and Asia.
Michelle Wang joined the Shenzhen European Office (SZEO) in 2016. Representing the City of Shenzhen, the office connects European businesses with opportunities in Shenzhen and supports Shenzhen-based companies expanding into Europe, providing market-entry guidance and facilitating cross-border business partnerships. Michelle holds an MBA and an MSc in Risk Management and has been based in London since 1999. Her experience spans investment advisory, financial analysis, risk management and educational consultancy. Earlier in her career, she worked at China’s National Center for Clinical Laboratories, overseeing nationwide quality control for hospital laboratories and blood banks. Her research received several national scientific and technological achievement awards.
Dr Zhe Feng is a London-based AI and machine learning leader, serving as Head of Algorithm Engineering at Ki Insurance, which launched as Lloyd’s of London’s first fully digital, algorithmically driven syndicate. He leads the team responsible for developing and architecting Ki’s underwriting algorithm, applying technologies including generative AI to improve insurance processes. Previously, he was a Senior Manager in Deloitte’s Risk Advisory practice, where he led machine learning engineering. He holds a PhD from Imperial College London, with research focused on mathematical optimisation and optimal control. His work bridges rigorous research, scalable engineering and practical business applications.