David Zhao Managing Director, Shanghai

Managing Director of Hill & Knowlton Shanghai, David is responsible for leading the firm's growth and development in China's financial and commercial hub. As an accomplished veteran of Corporate and Marketing Communications, David is able to combine his wealth of international experience with his local knowledge to provide strategic counsel to clients across a wide range of industries, including technology, finance, media and consumer goods.

Prior to coming on board as head of H&K's Shanghai office, David was Director of Technology Practice at Hill & Knowlton Beijing. There, he oversaw communications programs for many of the firm's key multinational clients, such as Hewlett-Packard and the GSM Association.

Before joining H&K, David was General Manager of Bentley Porter Novelli Shanghai, where, among other important leadership tasks, he was responsible for launching the firm's first office in the city.

Prior to that, David held the position of Client Services Director at Newell Public Relations and Account Director at Edelman Shanghai. He has also filled in as a communications expert at Coca-Cola and Bausch & Lomb. David's varied professional background also includes postings as Government Liaison Officer in both Russia and Australia.

David holds an MBA in Marketing from Griffith University in Australia, and earned a BA in English Literature from Hangzhou Normal University. His unique combination of business acumen and keen critical faculties gained from his humanities training allows him to comprehensively understand the many facets of his work.

David is also an active participant in several local business forums and events, and is a prominent member of the Returned Western Scholars' Association in Beijing.