Catherine Chen | Influence 100

Catherine Chen

President of Public Affairs & Communications
Huawei
China

 

 

A 28-year veteran of Huawei, Chen Lifang was named to the Chinese company’s top communications role in 2018, assuming what is surely one of the world’s toughest assignments right now. Always subject to considerable scrutiny as China’s biggest global brand, Huawei has emerged as one of the lightning rods in the geopolitical turbulence that colours US-China relations, putting considerable pressure on the company’s communications department.

Under Chen, though, Huawei had previously demonstrated a marked shift in its messaging strategy, focusing attention on why the US might be pressuring other countries to ban the Chinese company. The company has also become considerably more active in its engagement strategies across the globe, with Chen herself serving as a visible example of these efforts.

Chen has held a string of senior roles at Huawei, including has served as chief representative of the Beijing Representative Office, VP of the international marketing dept, deputy director of the domestic marketing management office, board member, and corporate SVP.