During this fireside chat, Xin(Shynn) ZHANG will discuss her experience driving change in business, architecture, and philanthropy. With over two decades of experience leading SOHO China, She will offer insights and advice for the new generation of students, innovators, and female leaders. The event will be hosted by Zhongyuan Zeng and Yi Jun Mock from the Schwarzman School Class of 2019-20.
After working in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and Travelers Group, Xin(Shynn) ZHANG returned to Beijing to co-found SOHO China with her husband Pan Shiyi. In 2007, SOHO China was successfully listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong raising proceeds of USD $1.9 billion, Asia’s largest commercial real estate IPO then.
Xin's rags-to-riches story has embodied the rise of China's entrepreneurship, making her a celebrity CEO at home and a sought after voice on China abroad. Active on Weibo, China’s “twitter”, Xin frequently shares her views on business, entrepreneurship and fitness with her over 10 million followers.
Xin has received international awards for her role as an architectural patron in China and as an entrepreneur. In 2002, she was awarded a special prize at the 8th la Biennale di Venezia for Commune by the Great Wall, a private collection of architecture.
Xin is a trustee of MoMA, a trustee of Asia Society, a member of World Economic Forum, Davos, a member of the Asia Business Council, a member of the Global Board of Advisors at the Council on Foreign Relations and the Harvard Global Advisory Council. Xin holds an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Sussex and has served as visiting fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.
In 2005, Xin and her husband Pan Shiyi established the SOHO China Foundation, a charity organization that promotes education to improve social mobility. In 2014, the SOHO China Foundation launched the SOHO China Scholarships, a USD $100 million initiative providing financial aid for Chinese students at leading international universities. Gift agreements totaling USD $25 million have been signed with Harvard and Yale University. The Scholarships currently supports more than 40 Chinese students pursuing undergraduate degrees at the partner universities.
Recognized for their commitment to sustainability, Xin and her husband Pan Shiyi are members of the Breakthrough Energy Coalition spearheaded by Bill Gates to fund technology developments that will enable a zero-emissions energy future. The Company has taken great strides to build LEED certified developments and all SOHO China properties use smart technology to achieve up to 40% energy saving.
Thursday, September 19th , 7:00 pm
Doors Open at 6:30 pm
CFLD Hall, Schwarzman College, Level B1
