Alex leads the EIU’s consumer practice in Asia, helping global companies make strategic decisions in some of the world’s most dynamic markets. He specialises in data-driven strategy and deploys cutting-edge predictive analytics across a wide range of consumer, economic and market data, helping clients capture emerging growth opportunities and position themselves for success.

Drawing on over a decade of experience in Asia, Alex has served clients across a wide range of industries and strategy areas. Recent projects he has worked on include helping a global luxury brand plan its 5-year expansion strategy across Chinese cities, a ride-hailing firm gain market share in Indonesia, and an FMCG company identify emerging consumer opportunities in Vietnam.

Alex and his team takes an innovative approach to solving clients’ problems. In one recent project a major restaurant chain sought to redesign pricing across China. He drew on a wealth of highly granular data to statistically model the urban environment around each restaurant – from its proximity to public transport to local competition and area affluence. This generated deep insights that could help the client price its menus most effectively.

He joined the EIU’s Beijing office as an economist in 2007, helping to establish the China Regional Forecasting Service, which provides clients with a unique regional view on economic developments across the country. A frequent commentator in international media, Alex holds an MSc in economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and speaks fluent Mandarin. He also plays electric bass in a local Beijing band.

Managing Director at Maersk China Ltd.

Jens Eskelund is Managing Director at Maersk China Ltd., the investment company of the Maersk Group in China. Maersk China Ltd. is also responsible for engaging Chinese Government entities, institutions and trade associations on matters of policy, regulatory environment and business development on behalf of the companies within the Maersk Group.

Jens initiated his career in Maersk in 2000, when he joined Maersk Line China as General Manager of Public Affairs, and later became Maersk Line's Director of Public Affairs for North Asia. Prior to this, Jens was Commercial Officer at
the Danish Embassy to China.

Jens is also a former Chairman of the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China as well as the Maritime Working Group of the EU Chamber of Commerce. He was elected Vice President of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China in May 2019. He holds an MA in philosophy and has studied at University of Aarhus and University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Li is the Chief Economist of Volkswagen Group China. He has long been engaged in the research on the development trend of China's macro-economy and automobile industry. He is proficient in the long-term and short-term forecasting methodology in macroeconomy and automobile market, and has rich experience in econometric modeling.

Dr. Li has taught in the Central University of Finance and Economics, engaged in the teaching and research of macroeconomics and finance, and published many papers in well-known academic journals at home and abroad. He obtained his Ph.D. in economics from the University of British Columbia.

Alfredo is responsible for overseeing The Economist Corporate Network in Beijing. Based in China since 2013, he has focused on analysing the business implications of policy, economic and political developments for companies investing and operating in China, and in the broader Asian region. This with the aim of distilling complex issues and conveying clear takeaways on how to capture business opportunities and respond to emerging challenges.

Before joining The Economist Corporate Network, Alfredo was Associate Director for KPMG's Global China Practice, where he led and contributed to numerous thought leadership projects, including flagship reports, customised business briefings, and policy proposals for Chinese authorities. He also played a large role in events programming and outreach, including leading the design and coordination of high-profile events aimed at senior executives. Prior to that, Alfredo worked for J Capital Research, Eurasia Group and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Alfredo has a Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) from Georgetown University, and a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Mexico's Center of Research and Teaching in Economics (aka. CIDE).