Speakers:
Huang Xuelei, Senior lecturer of China Studies at the University of Edinburgh
Huang Xuelei studied at Fudan University (BA) and Peking University (MA) in China, and received a PhD with summa cum laude from the University of Heidelberg in Germany. She joined the University of Edinburgh as a Chancellor's Fellow, and became a Lecturer in 2016, and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2019. Before taking up her current position in Edinburgh, she was a post-doctoral researcher at Academia Sinica in Taiwan, a research fellow at the Nantes Institute for Advanced Studies in France and the International Research Centre for Cultural Studies in Vienna (IFK). She was awarded the Ruprecht Karls Prize for her PhD dissertation, and received fellowships from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Gerda Henkel Foundation, and Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation, among others.
Huang Xuelei's current research focuses on sensory history in modern China. Her recent book, Scents of China: A Modern History of Smell, revisits modern Chinese history through the nose.
Elisa Harca, Co-Founder & Asia CEO Red Ant Asia
Elisa joined Red Ant Group in 2010, and was initially responsible for developing the UK & Europe business prior to relocating to Hong Kong in 2012 to co-found Red Ant in Asia.
From a one-person start-up, Elisa has led Red Ant Asia to become a 30-person, Shanghai based,
award winning China marketing agency.
Red Ant Asia’s client portfolio includes CREED, Trudon, Carrière Frères, Lisa Eldridge, Charlotte Tilbury, tarte, Nobel Panacea, Omorvicza, 111SKIN, LUSH, amika, American Vintage, Realisation Par, Birkenstock, MOTHER Denim, Balmain, Moncler, Fairmont Hotels etc.
Elisa is also the Vice Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong Luxury and Retail Committee.
Julie Shah, Fragrance Distributor
Julie Shah holds a Master's Degree in International Relations from New York University. Her career began in fashion, where she excelled in styling and producing photo shoots, working with renowned brands like Proenza Schouler, Thakoon, and L'Oreal.
In 2009, Julie made a pivotal move to Hong Kong, collaborating with Monocle Magazine to develop their retail division in Asia. Her expertise quickly made her a sought-after advisor for brands entering the Asian market. This demand led her to establish Jules Shah Ltd, a company specializing in launch and sales strategies, logistics management, and brand development.
Her professional portfolio focuses on the home and beauty sectors, representing prestigious brands such as Trudon, Carriere Freres, Lumira, Vyrao, Bienaime1935, Nasomatto, and Perfumer H. Her model for Greater China is wholesale, although post pandemic, most brands she is developing their retail and shop shop exposure in the region.
Julie Shah currently resides in the enchanting south of France with her family with monthly trips to Greater China for brand development. Her profound appreciation for the art of fragrance transcends borders, cultivated through her diverse global experiences. Whether amidst the rich scents of the French countryside or in her interactions with various cultures, Julie's sensitivity to the emotive power of scents allows her to connect and bridge gaps, offering a truly unique perspective on the world of fragrances.
Ada Yang, Senior Market Manager China, Molton Brown
Ada has built a dedicated career path in the beauty industry, gaining experience across a wide range of areas, including go-to-market strategy, e-commerce, brand marketing, social media, PR, and creative. In 2020, she joined Molton Brown, where she has been instrumental in building the brand in China from scratch. As a firm believer in the power of positive change, Ada is convinced that Molton Brown has a vital role to play in making the world a better place. Born on South Molton Street, London in 1971, Molton Brown is an icon of uniquely British style. Today, Molton Brown is one of the leading global brands in Kao´s global cosmetics portfolio. Growing from small-scale artisans into the international fragrance brand it is today, its pioneering presence is felt in our stores and websites, travel retail, luxury department stores and the most esteemed hotels around the world.
In October 2022, Molton Brown took its first steps into the metaverse by launching a virtual store on Tmall in China. The store features an online personality test and the very first 3D augmented-reality (AR) NFT collection on Tmall. This innovative collection, which simulates the shape, emotion, and personality behind Molton Brown perfume, combines a visualized fragrance trace with Molton Brown's iconic perfume cap. To empower consumers and celebrate individuality, the whole project epitomizes the brand's commitment to excellence.
Antoaneta Becker, Director, Consumer Economy, China-Britain Business Council (Moderator)
Antoaneta has lived and worked in China for more than 20 years. In her most recent role as a Director, Consumer Economy for the China Britain Business Council, she has supported numerous British consumer companies entering and expanding into the Chinese market.
Prior to joining CBBC, she worked as a Beijing-based reporter for several international media publications including the Economist Intelligence Unit and USA Today, covering China’s economic and social affairs. She has reported on some of the main trends and policies that have defined China’s economic trajectory over the years 2000-2010 including China’s stateowned enterprises reforms, the emergence of free trade zones, the rise of digital economy and the ascendence of the Chinese consumer.
Antoaneta is a fluent Mandarin Chinese speaker. She holds a Bachelor’s in Chinese Language and Literature and a Master’s in Chinese Contemporary Literature & Film from Peking University.
