Nick is The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Lead for Global Trade. He has a particular focus on analysis tied to the US-China trade war, but is also responsible for The EIU’s views on international trade issues more generally, including on US-EU trade relations, supply chain developments in South and South-east Asia and topics around digital trade and globalisation. In addition to his role covering trade, Nick also concurrently serves as an analyst covering China, Taiwan and Macau.

Prior to joining The EIU’s Hong Kong office, Nick conducted trade policy research in Beijing with the US-China Business Council (USCBC), a US trade association. While at USCBC, he primarily covered the policy portfolios for the information and communications technology sector, in addition to monitoring regulatory developments related to China’s automotive, healthcare, manufacturing and consumer goods industries.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Affairs and Chinese Language and Literature from the University of Virginia, as well graduate certification from the Johns Hopkins-Nanjing University Center for Chinese and American Studies.

Senthil is a highly experienced leader with over 15 years of experience in general management, e-commerce and logistics and has held senior leadership positions in DHL E-commerce, Samsung and most recently Janio Asia. He has an intimate knowledge of, and experience across various facets of logistics and e-commerce and utilized this experience to build cohesive teams and grow sustainable revenue and profit in challenging market environments.

Senthil was awarded the Asian Business Fellowship Award (by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore) in the early years of his career and he has had market exposure and hands-on knowledge across various geographies: South Asia, Southeast Asia, North Asia and Oceania. He is currently in the final stages of completing the Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA Program as well as holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Studies from Nanyang Technological University Singapore.

A seasoned corporate leader with over 30 years of international experience, Sarindar has worked across Southeast Asia
and beyond. Her recent roles have required her to supervise and provide overall direction in the planning and execution of customer experience goals. A veteran of logistics and transformation, she is currently at A.P. Moller-Maersk and has worked for DHL and OCBC.

Natalie is the VP of Asia Product Supply for Apparel, for VF Corporation’s active and outdoor brands.

VF Corporation is one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands.

Natalie leads the sourcing teams that manage factories within the Asia region, covering multiple countries of origin, such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Vietnam and China.

As part of the Executive leadership team based in the Asia HQ in Singapore, Natalie plays a key role in the VF Asia Inclusion and Diversity Council and was also the Executive co-sponsor of the VF Asia Women’s network, the first Employee Resource Group in VF Corporation, driven to create a rich diverse workforce for the future.

Natalie completed her BSc in Clothing Manufacturing from Heriot Watt University in the UK and has over 25 years in the industry, spanning materials R&D, technical design, supply chain and sourcing.

With experience on varying product categories across apparel, footwear and equipment, Natalie is passionate about product. She has led multifarious teams, in achieving excellent supply chain results, through consolidation and leverage efforts, resulting in improved customer service levels throughout the brands.

Sumana is a senior policy professional with 17 years of experience. Having worked at several dynamic and vibrant tech firms, Sumana designs and implements policies through advocacy, strategic communication and evidence-based analysis. With a flair for writing and communication, Sumana is able to negotiate complex engagements & cultivate senior-level internal/external relationships.

Sumana holds a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Michigan, as well as a B.A. in Political Science and Geography from UCLA.