Executive Management Changes in BEC

Hong Kong, July 18, 2011 – Business Environment Council (BEC) today announced that Dr. Andrew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer has tendered his resignation and will leave BEC this summer, after his 17 years of service with the organization.

During Dr. Thomson’s tenure, BEC has developed into an organization that advocates, enables and showcases sustainable development practice of the business community. Through partnering with Government, businesses and other NGOs, BEC has been serving at the forefront of many advocacy programmes including the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence and the HSBC Living Business Awards, as well as becoming the Regional Network Partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. In addition, BEC has also set up two initiatives, namely the Harbour Business Forum and the Climate Change Business Forum, and co-founded the Hong Kong Green Building Council with three other organizations.

In announcing Dr. Thomson’s resignation, Professor John Chai, BEC Chairman said, “On behalf of the BEC Board, I would like to thank Andrew for his dedication, hard work and loyalty in achieving BEC’s accomplishments during his tenure. We wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

"It has been my honour to serve BEC as CEO and I would like to thank the BEC Board and the staff for their support over the past years," Dr. Thomson remarked.

Professor Chai further announced that Ms Agnes Li has been appointed as the succeeding Chief Executive Officer while Dr. Thomson will assume an advisory role for BEC. Ms. Li, who joined BEC in January 2011 as Chief Operating Officer, came from a distinguished business and management background. Within the short span of her tenure with BEC, she has already become well acquainted with BEC’s values, aims and operations, and has established a good rapport with the staff and the Board.

Professor Chai, together with BEC’s Board of Directors and the management team look forward to the continued collaboration with Government, business and fellow partners on advancing Hong Kong’s businesses to be recognised as Asia’s leaders in practising and enabling sustainable development.