10 April, 2010
The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WCKDA) today (Saturday, 10 April 2010) announced it had named three executive directors in the areas of project delivery, finance and legal counsel. Each will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the WKCDA, Mr Graham Sheffield, the Artistic Director of London’s Barbican Centre who was recently named the Authority’s top executive.
Mr Henry Tang, Chairman of the Board of the WKCDA, said today, “The success of the WKCD hinges greatly on the abilities of those running it. We believe the expert executives we are bringing into the fold will ensure that the WKCD is planned, developed and operated as professionally—and with as much excellence—as any other leading integrated arts districts on the planet”.
Mr Graham Sheffield commented, “I congratulate the new Executive Directors on their appointments at the Authority. This is all about building a multi-skilled, multi-talented and interdependent team who will support and inspire one another; the diverse career experience to date of each of the new Directors will make them all vital assets to the future success of the WKCD. I look forward to working with these three new colleagues in the realization of Hong Kong’s great artistic ambition”.
Dr Chan Man-wai will serve as Executive Director for Project Delivery, effective on 3 May 2010. Currently Vice President (Projects and Facilities) of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, he reports directly to the CEO and manages a team of well over 400 staff. He has over 30 years of experience overseeing the planning, construction, and management of large-scale development projects, both local and overseas.
Dr Chan’s department will be responsible for overseeing the planning, development and implementation of the WKCD project. This will include efforts to make the WKCD into a destination of choice for both local residents and visitors by designing the public space as one that can be used by the community. The Project Delivery Department will also develop strategies for attracting creative industries and driving business to retail, dining and entertainment facilities; ensure that all facilities, spaces, transport and linkage meet user requirements; and manage all technical engineering and structural aspects of project delivery as well as procurement of contracts for the planning and design of the WKCD.
Effective April 12, Dr Eva Lam has been appointed Finance Executive Director. Dr Lam will be responsible for directing and monitoring the overall financial sustainability of the development, operation and management of the WKCD. During the planning stage, her department will play a critical role in establishing the foundational financial policies, processes and systems for the Authority, overseeing fund investments, and managing information technology functions. A professional accountant, Dr Lam most recently served as Executive Director and Group Chief Financial Officer of IDT International Ltd, where she played a key role developing the strategies and development of the group as well as managing its finances and performance.
Mr Michael Randall was named General Counsel for the WKCDA, a role that also takes effect on April 12. Mr Randall was formerly the Principal Legal Adviser - Projects and International Business for the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, a capacity in which he specialised in international operations and maintenance contracts as well as local infrastructure development. The Legal Services Department, to be led by Mr Randall, will provide advice to all other Authority departments on legal matters pertaining to the planning, development and operations of the WKCD; draft and review contracts; and ensure the project’s legal compliance with relevant statutory requirements.
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