Squire Patton Boggs has appointed Yan Xuan, the former President of Nielsen Greater China, as a partner to lead its International Public Policy Practice in China.
Mr. Yan is an accomplished US lawyer who has gained a reputation as a distinguished business leader, effective government lobbyist and respected US and China policy expert. He brings more than 25 years’ experience in senior leadership roles at global companies such as Qualcomm, Oracle, Microsoft and AT&T. In 2011 he joined Nielsen, where he led its overall business in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
Mr. Yan brings to the firm’s diverse global client base, a unique understanding of the macro economy, government policy and political landscape in China, as well as deep insights into a number of dynamic and complex industries, such as high tech, media, consumer packaged goods, consumer electronics and home appliances, retail, e-commerce, big data and automotive sectors. He is a sought after speaker and is regarded as a thought leader on the Chinese economy, the Chinese consumer and global market trends.
In addition to business management, Mr. Yan has extensive experience in corporate governance spanning industry association, corporate and university boards. He was vice chairman of the board of governors of American Chamber of Commerce in China, as well as a member of the board of directors of USITO, an association of leading US IT companies. He also sits on the boards of Hong Kong Stock Exchange-listed Alibaba Health, chairs its compensation committee and is a member of its audit committee, as well as Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) listed Chinese state owned enterprise Shenhua Holdings and is a member of its Strategy Committee. He was a member of the board of SSE-listed Cambridge Industries. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Visitors of Duke University School of Law, Board of Advisors of Jiaotong University Antai College of Economics and Management, and Board of Directors of AACSB Asia Pacific, a global certifier of business schools.
Working across the firm’s global platform, Mr. Yan will advise a wide range of clients, assisting Chinese companies entering global markets and international clients operating or seeking to invest in China.
The appointment of Mr. Yan is a key part of the firm’s strategy to build on the strength and depth of its International Public Policy Practice, which includes former Speaker of the House John Boehner, Majority Leader Trent Lott, Senator John Breaux and Congressman Jack Kingston. Earlier this year, the firm appointed Matthew Kirk, former UK Ambassador to Helsinki, as an international affairs advisor in London and, in recent years, it has expanded its Brussels team under the leadership of Wolfgang Maschek, previously senior counsel and Vice-President for International Regulatory Affairs at Western Union, who joined as head of the firm’s European Public Policy Practice in 2016.
Partner Robert Kapla, leader of the firm’s International Public Policy Practice, said: “Political and economic volatility is driving client demand for public policy advice. As clients seek to navigate the complex legislative and regulatory issues associated with doing business globally, they need the support of experienced professionals in key markets across the world, and none more so than in China.
“With a career spent managing the Chinese operations of multinationals, Xuan’s experience will be highly prized by clients and he will be a tremendous asset to our Public Policy team internationally.”
“We are increasingly being called upon by Chinese clients in need of assistance with their global strategies in an ever more challenging public policy environment,” added Dan Roules, managing partner of the firm’s Shanghai office. “We are delighted to welcome Xuan, who will add to our market-leading global public policy expertise and ensure our clients have the insight necessary to meet their objectives.”
Mr. Yan commented: “I am excited to be joining Squire Patton Boggs as it expands its international footprint and further builds on its International Public Policy credentials. I look forward to supporting the team, particularly for clients in China or looking to invest here.”
Mr. Yan was educated in China and went to the US in the 1980s as a Richard M. Nixon Scholar, where he received his J.D. from Duke University School of Law. He attended the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 2000.
Squire Patton Boggs’ International Public Policy Practice combines legal expertise with political due diligence to help public and private sector clients around the globe. Its team of lawyers and senior policy advisors, numbering former politicians, lawmakers and diplomats, focuses on helping clients anticipate and counteract threats to their priorities, navigate regulatory requirements and grow their investments.