British Business Awards 2024 Launch Event

John McLean OBE is the Senior Advisor to CCCUK (China Chamber of Commerce in the UK). He is also the Chair of the China UK Business Development Centre and the Institute of Directors for the City of London. He also sits on the FTSE Women Leaders Advisory Board. In 2014, John was awarded an OBE for services to British-China business interests and civil society development.

John will dial-in from the UK. 

Sohail joined the DBT China team as Sector Director and Minister Counsellor in September 2021 before moving into the role of Deputy HM Trade Commissioner for China in July 2023. Sector accountabilities in his role include Education, Creative Industries, the Sports economy, Consumer & Retail, Food & Drink, Agriculture and Agritech and Life Sciences & Healthcare.

Prior to joining DBT Sohail had a highly successful career in the Private Sector where he held Executive and Board roles in the Retail sector and specialised in the development and expansion of British Retail brands across a global footprint.

Sohail held the role of CEO of the Global Franchise Business for Hamleys of London, the world’s oldest and most famous Toy business, between 2019 and 2021.

Before Hamleys Sohail worked for Mothercare PLC, a leading global Retailer of Mother to be and Baby products, in a variety of roles including as MD of their International Business and was a Board Member of their JV in China.

Sohail travelled extensively during his Private Sector career visiting over 50 countries on business trips including being a frequent visitor to China.

Acting as the senior representative of University of Edinburgh in East Asia, Grace is responsible for raising the profile and advancing engagement across the region, looking after the strategic and ambitious partnership the university has with governments, private sectors, and research institutes. Grace plays a leading role in the China Strategy for the university. She also leads her team to develop diverse activities including alumni engagement, research collaboration, developing connections and opportunities for the university across East Asia.

Prior to the role, Grace worked for the British Consulate General Shanghai for over 7 years as the Senior Political officer, leading the UK Government’s Civil Society and value-based initiatives, while managing the Official Development Assistance fund in East China. Grace has been nominated as a Global Scot by the Scottish Development International, for her continuous efforts in strengthening the links between Scotland and Asia.