HKIAC announces leadership changes amid strategic expansion
The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced key leadership changes as it continues its strategic growth. After seven years of service, Dr. Ling Yang, Deputy Secretary-General and Head of China Relations, will step down on November 1, 2024, to assume a new role as Director of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Office. This office, established by Hong Kong’s Department of Justice, aims to position the region as a hub for developing domestic and international legal expertise.
During her tenure at HKIAC, Dr. Yang made significant contributions, particularly in strengthening the organization's ties with Mainland China. Her departure coincides with the anticipated launch of HKIAC’s new office in Beijing, which will mark its third office outside of Hong Kong, following the openings of branches in Seoul (2013) and Shanghai (2015).
To lead this new Beijing office, HKIAC has appointed Xi Zhang as Chief Representative, effective October 10, 2024. Zhang joins from Sinochem Holdings Co. Ltd, where she handled international legal disputes. She brings extensive experience in arbitration, having previously served as Senior Counsel in the international case management and business development division of the Beijing Arbitration Commission/Beijing International Arbitration Center from 2015 to 2021. Zhang holds an LLB from Northwest University of Politics and Law and an LLM from American University Washington College of Law, and is qualified to practice law in Mainland China.
HKIAC expressed gratitude for Dr. Yang's impactful contributions and extended a warm welcome to Ms. Zhang as she takes on her new role in leading the organization's efforts in Beijing.
