James Xu

Senior enterprise innovation and business-development leader with 12+ years of experience originating and commercializing SaaS and data digital solutions across APAC and the Middle East Proven ability to initiate C-suite engagement and lead complex data solution sales e.g. originated & sold the first EY Smart Port solution for NEOM, contributing to multi-million revenue generation Track record of market-entry and client-acquisition strategy through the APAC launch of Insurwave, a B2B SaaS blockchain platform, covering partnerships, fundraising, JV options, and IP considerations Strategic Partnership Lead at the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation Park, launching a network of investors and professional service providers to support AI technology companies

Strategic Partnership & Investment Lead - Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation Park

(2023-09)

• Built the Park’s strategic partnership, investment, and commercialization functions from the ground up
• Launched an investor and professional services network across financial advisers, venture capital firms, legal firms, IP consultancies and technology providers to support AI technology companies
• Designed and negotiated co-creation programs with industry partners, securing approximately HKD 5 million per year in-kind support through addressing enterprise pain points through AI and robotics solutions

Associate Director, Global Industry Strategic Innovation Lead - EY (Hong Kong)

(2020-09 - 2023-08)

• Originated and sold EY’s first Smart Port solution for NEOM, turning an emerging digital concept into a multi-million-revenue commercial pilot, with clear data protection, security and governance frameworks
• Led cross-functional teams to design the go-to-market of a Fintech blockchain platform on marine insurance, working with alliances such as Microsoft and Guardtime, establishing new operating models
• Engaged senior government, technology, and enterprise stakeholders in Smart Port & Insurwave projects to identify operational workflows where data interoperability and digital solutions could deliver impact

Assistant Director, Global Industry Cross-Sector Data Solutions - EY (London)

(2016-03 - 2020-08)

• Led trend research identifying data-driven innovation products, shaping global propositions such as future of investment advice, future of payments, trade finance and marine insurance
• Managed EY’s first prototyping hackathon end-to-end to select & partner with six blockchain startups globally to pilot disruptive propositions on digital rights management and energy trading

Management Consultant, Strategy and Customers - EY UK&I (London & Milan)

(2013-09 - 2016-02)

• Worked on projects including digital transformation for an energy service provider, PMO set up for a trade & investment body, and assignment to lead China client services for EY Italy, Spain and Portugal

Diaspora Leadership Program Social Impact Advisor - UK Parliament

(2013-06 - 2019-01)

• Selected as a young leader to collaborate with entrepreneurs and politicians on cross-border projects

Startup Mentor - Virgin Startup

(2017-07 - 2018-08)

London Area Project Officer (part-time intern) - British Red Cross

(2010-06 - 2010-09)

Marketing and Mentoring Intern - UnLtd, Foundation for social Entrepreneurs

(2010-06 - 2010-09)

MBA - Quantic School of Business and Technology (2018-11 - 2019-10)

Lead Digital – Certificate in Digital Leadership - AVADO (2017-10 - 2018-03)

BA Business Management and Italian (First Class) - University College London (2009-09 - 2013-06)