Judges and Judging Panel

– State-owned energy companies (based in Saudi Arabia, China, Norway, US)

– Private technology companies (based in China, US)

– Private manufacturing/consumer goods companies (based in US, UK, Europe)

– State-owned infrastructure companies (based in China)

Chris is a regular media commentator and has been interviewed by the BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, CNN and CGTN. His articles have appeared in the Economist, Financial Times, People’s Daily and specialist publications and his book, Doing Business in China, was published by The Economist Group in 2010.

Before joining APCO, Chris worked at Control Risks for more than 20 years. He served as partner in the Greater China and North Asia region where he led the East China geomarket out of Shanghai before moving to Beijing to lead the North China geomarket. During this time he oversaw the growth of the company’s Chinese client base. Before this role, Chris was based in London as the partner responsible for the Global Risk Analysis practice for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Chris also served as a Shanghai-based associate director in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ advisory practice and as the Hong Kong-based head of research at Batey Burn, a UK government relations and public affairs consultancy acquired by APCO in 1999.

Chris currently serves as vice-chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, representing the views of the Chamber’s members in regular meetings with both Chinese and UK government officials.

Chris has lived in Greater China for nearly 25 years. He holds an MBA from the China-Europe International Business School, a BA Honours degree in Modern Chinese Studies from Leeds University and speaks Mandarin

John is the Senior Advisor to CCCUK (China Chamber of Commerce in the UK). He is also Chair for the Institute of Directors for the City of London and sits on the FTSE Women Leaders Advisory Board.

John was Chair of Carers Trust and sits on the Lord Mayor’s Appeal Fundraising Board for the City of London. Previously he was member of the VSO Council and Chair of VSO China

In the 2014 New Year Honours list, John was awarded an OBE for services to British business interests and the development of civil society in China.

During his tenure as a delegation member at THYSSEKRUPP Germany, Mr. Yang played a vital role in numerous business negotiations for market entry in China. As the Managing Director of CWG AG China, he successfully introduced German advanced environmental technology to the Chinese market through strategic partnerships with renowned multinational groups such as Volkswagen, Mercedes[1]Benz, General Motors, Fiat, and Clariant Chemicals. His impressive client portfolio encompasses diverse industries including hospitality, food processing, medicine, and machinery manufacturing.

Mr. Yang is a passionate advocate for green initiatives and sustainability. He actively engages in activities related to climate change, low-carbon development, CCS&CCUS technology, legislation influence, risk assessment, and best practice implementation through his active participation with TEEC. In recognition of his expertise, he was invited to deliver a keynote speech on low-carbon development at the esteemed Shanghai Pujiang Forum in 2022.