Hong Kong — The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong has announced the appointment of Dr. Eden Woon as its new president. Woon is a seasoned business and education leader with many years of experience serving government and NGOs. His appointment will be effective September 1 this year and will succeed Tara Joseph as president after five years in office.

Woon has excellent working experience in Hong Kong, Shanghai and the United States, and has extensive business experience in Greater China. From 2010 to 2017, Woon served as the vice-president of University Development at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. From 2006 to 2010 in Shanghai, he served successively as managing director of Li & Fung Group China Office, managing director of China Toys R Us and vice president of Starbucks Coffee Company China. Woon was the president of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce from 1997 to 2006.

Woon holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Washington in Seattle, majoring in mathematics. Woon is also a member of the New York-based Council of Foreign Relations, a Justice of the Peace of Hong Kong, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Ballet.

Joseph Armas, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said, “We are very excited to welcome Woon back to Hong Kong to lead the Chamber. Woon’s appointment was selected through global recruitment by the Board of Directors. And the local business experience will bring positive benefits to the Chamber of Commerce and the future development of Hong Kong.”

Meanwhile, Woon commented on his appointment, sharing that he earnestly looks forward to returning to Hong Kong at this challenging time to lead the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and work together for the Chamber of Commerce and Hong Kong.

“I hope that based on my experience, I can work with the Board of Directors to promote the development of the Chamber of Commerce for its members, and The business community of this international city benefits,” Woon said.

Woon’s appointment comes at a strategic juncture for the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong as it is now one of the established chambers of commerce outside the United States and one of the major foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong. The Chamber of Commerce entered the core business area of ​​Central this year as a permanent venue and operated in a member community-oriented manner.