Advancing Corporate Public Affairs Leadership in Asia

Head of Asia, Centre for Corporate Public Affairs

​

Internationally recognized expert in Corporate Public Affairs, Reputation Stewardship, and Government Relations.

• Over 25 years of experience in corporate strategy, public affairs, and external relations.

• Previously led corporate affairs functions for Fortune 100 brands across Asia, U.S., and Australia.

• Award-winning leader in marketing and communications, recognized for excellence in consumer engagement.

Managing Partner, Cairnhill Consultants

​

Former CEO of Next Digital, Former President of Wal-Mart China & Quaker Oats Asia, and former member of Global Advisory Board at the Kellogg School of Management.

• Advisor to Asian corporations on growth & market entry strategies.

• Advisory member of the Global Business program of HKUST.

• Experienced in executive leadership, strategy, and corporate governance.

Chief Legal, Compliance & ESG Officer, Grobest Group

​

Leading expert in ESG, corporate governance, and sustainability strategy.

• Co-founder of The AdviXory, a global firm specializing in supply chain challenges, ESG risks, and corporate affairs.

• 30+ years of legal and compliance experience across major U.S. and global corporations.

• Board Chair of Ethical Toy Program and key advisor for Habitat for Humanity Hong Kong.

​

Guest Faculty and Centre’s Consultant

​

• Extensive Industry Experience: Over 25 years in the toy and gift industry, including senior roles like VP of Design at Mattel Asia and SVP of design and product development for Kids2 Asia, working with iconic brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher Price, Baby Einstein, and Bright Starts.

• Expertise in Design and Product Development: Known for translating design strategies into actionable plans and building high-performing teams in Hong Kong and China to enhance design, productivity, and operational efficiency.

• Innovation and Design Thinking Advocate: Empowers organizations with design thinking to improve learning programs, optimize processes, and foster innovation, delivering tailored products and services.

• Creative and Personal Commitment: Holds a Fine Arts degree from the University of British Columbia and strives to make meaningful, positive impacts through his professional and personal engagements.

Guest Faculty and Centre’s Consultant

• Extensive Leadership Experience: Over three decades in business management, communications, and public affairs, with roles in the Singapore government, consulting agencies, and companies like Unilever, GE Capital, and InterContinental Hotels Group.

• Corporate Communications Expertise: Headed corporate communications, CSR, and Public Affairs across Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, with exposure to Europe and the USA. Key achievements include leading Unilever’s brand relaunch and GE Capital’s global repositioning.

• Strategic Advisory and Crisis Management: Advises C-suite executives on communications strategy, leadership development, and managing global change, IPOs, M&As, and crises in Indonesia and Singapore.

• Academic Background and Lifelong Learning: Holds an LL.B (Honours) from the National University of Singapore and champions continual education and growth.

Guest Faculty and Centre’s Consultant

​​

• Expertise in ESG and Sustainability: Former Group Vice President, Sustainability and Deputy General Counsel at a Hong Kong-listed multinational, specializing in ESG, legal, and global supply chains.

• Strategic Advisor: Senior advisor at AdviXory, helping organizations design ESG strategies on decarbonization and social rights.

• Non-Profit Work: Supports underprivileged children via Mayaa Nepal and co-founded Emergency Hong Kong for conflict-affected care.

• Credentials: Holds advanced degrees in International Relations and Law, with sustainability training from Cambridge. Trained B-Corporation leader and Climate Fresk facilitator.

Guest Faculty and Centre’s Consultant

​​

• Veteran communications and public affairs practitioner with 35 years of professional and leadership experience in Hong Kong, Asia Pacific and global operating environments.

• - Led communications and public affairs functions with Fortune 100 companies with regional and global responsibilities;

• - Built and led a Corporate Public Affairs department for a US$20 billion joint venture in Saudi Arabia;

• - Served on the Board of Directors of the Business Environment Council Hong Kong for 10 years;

• - Proven experience in cross industry including ICT, Chemicals, Telecom and Energy, cross geography reputation and stakeholder relationship management.

Guest Faculty and Centre’s Consultant

​​

• Rene Co leverages over four decades of expertise in China to guide Centre Asia’s clients through complex corporate challenges.

• A seasoned leader in corporate communications, he aligns strategies with business goals to drive stakeholder engagement, crisis management, and employee cohesion. His strategic acumen transforms operations into innovative solutions that advance organizational objectives.

• Renowned for reputation stewardship, Rene integrates sustainability into branding, earning acclaim for eco-conscious campaigns and packaging breakthroughs.

• He excels in navigating China’s cultural landscape, fostering trust in supply chains and brand ecosystems. With nearly 300,000 Weibo followers and recognition as a 2020 Weibo Top 10 Influencer in Career & Workplace, Rene combines strategic vision, communication mastery, and market insight to deliver transformative results.