Edelman taps Leon Li to lead public affairs practice in China

Li will be based in Beijing, bringing to Edelman a host of international public and private sector experience ranging from the Ministry of Commerce in China and HSBC Holdings in the UK, to the International Monetary Fund and the Chinese Embassy in Argentina.

In his multiple posts within the Chinese government, Li has worked with more than 20 government departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Finance, the Department of Aid to Foreign Countries, and the Bureau of Fair Trade, developing a deep understanding of the nuances in Chinese policy and China’s government apparatus.

His most recent positions were stakeholder management roles at banking groups in London and Beijing.

Edelman notes that Li's experience with Chinese and Latin American governments, fiscal policies, banking industries, and related sectors will help its global public affairs offering as companies around the world continue to seek investment and growth in the Chinese market.

At Edelman, he will lead the public affairs team, driving new business and and growing business with existing clients. 

According to Edelman’s website, its public affairs practice creates programmes to influence public opinion, promote regulatory and legislative initiatives, build reputations, position litigation and manage issues.

“I’ve always seen myself as a bridge builder and now I can continue to do that on behalf of clients looking to intelligently navigate the world’s second largest economy,” remarked Li.

Edelman has been busy in Greater China recently, appointing Derek Ng as regional relationship manager for Starbucks with a focus on China and expanding its consumer marketing team with two additions.

In Hong Kong, it hired Diana Pong as director of its Hong Kong corporate practice and Sue Chan as an associate director of its digital practice.