Bob Lees is a global senior executive with over 30 years of experience working with decision makers in business, academia, and government across the Asia Pacific region. He has served as Secretary General and President and CEO of the Pacific Basin Economic Council (PBEC), which is the Asia Pacific region's oldest business organization. Bob has extensive contacts in government, business, and the academic world, and is a trusted advisor in market entry, customer development, and relationship management. With his experience in the corporate and consulting world, in addition to a decade heading the Pacific Basin Economic Council, Bob has built a strong reputation for identifying and implementing growth opportunities for American and other extra-regional organizations seeking to penetrate the China and Asia-Pacific marketplace. He is a frequent speaker and commentator on Asia-Pacific business, economic and political topics, and has been quoted and interviewed by the Associated Press, BBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC, and NHK (Japan). Bob is a strong advocate of open markets and the integrity and transparency of business and governmental dealings, with a belief in strong corporate governance.