Having joined CBBC as Chair in November, Sir Sebastian brings decades of senior diplomatic experience, including serving as British Ambassador to China and Germany. This session offers members a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Sir Sebastian about his journey to CBBC and his priorities for the organisation.

In this fireside chat with CBBC Chief Executive Officer, Peter Burnett, Sir Sebastian will share his perspectives on the evolving UK–China relationship and engage with members in a moderated Q&A.

For those attending in person, the session will also provide an excellent opportunity to network and reconnect with the CBBC community as we begin the year.

About Sir Sebastian Wood KCMG

Sir Sebastian Wood KCMG is Chair of the China-Britain Business Council and Chairman of China Affairs at Schroders Plc. He served as British Ambassador to China from 2010 to 2015 and to Germany from 2015 to 2020. Earlier in his diplomatic career, he held postings in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Washington, and served as the Foreign Office’s Director for the Asia-Pacific region. He studied mathematics and philosophy at Magdalen College, Oxford, and is a Fellow of the Weatherhead Centre for International Affairs at Harvard University.

Agenda

• 9:00am – Welcome
• 9:05am – Fireside Chat: Sir Sebastian Wood in conversation with Peter Burnett
• 9:40am – Q&A
• 9:55am – Close

This is an exclusive event for CBBC Members. In-person attendance is limited to 30 members and will be allocated on a first-served basis, so early registration is encouraged.

As this is a hybrid event, separate registration is required for in-person and online attendance. Please register using the relevant link below. 

Register here