Dr. Mark Michelson has spent over 30 years living and working in the Asia/Pacific region. He has assisted corporations, governments, economic development agencies and other organizations to identify and develop new business opportunities; determine, communicate and achieve their goals; build support for their reputations, positions, products and services; anticipate and advocate their issues; facilitate entry into new markets; and prepare for and manage crisis situations.

Dr. Michelson served for five years as Associate Director-General for Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong – the investment promotion department of the Hong Kong Government – where he headed the division responsible for marketing, communications and knowledge management. During that time, he contributed to raising Hong Kong visibility and credibility, and positive profile, both internationally and locally. InvestHK’s awareness among current investors doubled, and the department won several international awards.

In addition, he assisted the Welsh Development Agency/International Business Wales develop and expand business for 15 years, and provided advice to more than 20 economic development organizations from Asia Pacific, North America and Europe.

Dr. Michelson earned his BA from Carleton College and doctorate from the University of Illinois in Japanese studies. He also studied at Harvard University, the University of Tokyo and the New York University Graduate School of Business where he was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to do research in Japan.

He was the 1996 Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and is a Trustee of the Chamber’s Charitable Foundation, and has been a member of three Hong Kong Government committees. He is a frequent commentator on regional business, economic and political issues in the broadcast and print media and at conferences and seminars globally. Dr. Michelson joined ROI as Managing Director, Asia in August 2009.