Leslie LI has been appointed general manager and lead the administration, operation, and staff of the Shenyang New World EXPO ("EXPO") in China. The appointment was effective 18 June 2024.
LI joins EXPO after serving as vice-president of the China National Convention Center (CNCC) in Beijing, a position he held for over five years. During his tenure at CNCC, he also temporarily managed two other Chinese venues under management agreements with CNCC. His focus was primarily on marketing, branding, new business development, and managing the related staff in those areas.
LI succeeds Diane Chen, who has been GM and an EXPO executive since 2012. Chen is being promoted to one of two deputy managing directors at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), reflecting increased activities and enhancements to senior management resources at HKCEC.
LI said: “It is a great honour to take the lead following the extraordinary successes that have resulted since EXPO’s opening in 2017, despite the many challenges caused during the Covid era. I look forward to enhancing the effort and leading a very special staff that is professionally trained and in place. My key goals are to energise the staff daily and to increase the venue's economic impact on Shenyang while assuring EXPO leads in the venue professionalism of China’s exhibition and meeting industry.”
Cliff Wallace, former chairman of EXPO’s management company and current senior executive advisor said: “LI comes to EXPO with exceptional educational, business, and venue experience and credentials. His people skills and overall leadership experience will ensure a seamless transition into his executive position following the dynamic leadership provided by Diane Chen, who we congratulate on her extraordinary promotion to HKCEC.”
