The American Chamber of Commerce in the People's Republic of China
(AmCham-China) announced today that Michael Barbalas, managing director of Andrew Telecommunications, will succeed Charlie Martin as AmCham-China's new president on November 1. Barbalas was chosen after a lengthy and comprehensive global search conducted by the AmCham-China Board of Governors Search Subcommittee.

"Mike is a great leader and team player. With his appreciation for China and his substantial China experience, our search committee felt he would do a great job leading AmCham-China in this time of growth and challenge for our members," said Emory Williams, chairman of AmCham-China.

Since 1997, Barbalas has worked at the Suzhou-based China headquarters of Andrew Telecommunications, a U.S. company serving major telecom equipment suppliers and operators, where he established the company's second largest manufacturing facility, helped set up its branch sales offices, distribution centers and R&D centers, and implemented numerous international standardization systems.

Barbalas has been active in AmCham Shanghai since 1998, having chaired its Manufacturers Business Council from 2001 to 2003 and eventually serving as the chamber's vice chairman. He has been a member of AmCham-China since 2003.

"After many years in the private sector and as an AmCham volunteer, I look forward to focusing full-time on bettering the business environment in China for U.S. firms, through dialogue with our members, U.S. and Chinese officials, and other key stakeholders," he said.

Fluent in Mandarin and holding a PhD in Chemistry from Cornell University, Barbalas has previously worked as a China business consultant, as executive director of the Friends of China Foundation (Hong Kong), as manager of Management Technologies International (Tianjin), and as a foreign expert at Lanzhou University (Lanzhou).

Barbalas succeeds current AmCham-China President Charlie Martin, who decided to reenter the private sector following his three-year tenure at the chamber. The AmCham-China Board of Governors Search Subcommittee was assisted by executive search firm Korn/Ferry.

AmCham-China represents more than 2100 members and 1000 companies doing business in China. The chamber has more than 35 industry- and issue-specific forums and committees, offers unique services such as its Express Lane Visa Program, holds a wide range of networking and informational events, and meets regularly with U.S. and Chinese officials to discuss opportunities and challenges for U.S. firms doing business in China.