Running for: Vice Chair or Governor
Top 3 issues
- Speaking out persuasively and convincingly to have a level playing field for all companies in China including U.S. companies.
- Support the acceleration of China’s economic reforms resulting in greater market opportunities for AmCham China’s members
- Increase the value and cost effectiveness of AmCham China membership for all members
Campaign Statement
During 25 years working in China I have been part of AmCham. I have been an active member of a number of forums, committees and cooperative programs and have helped organize or spoken at AmCham programs.
I have worked in different Chinese cities including Lanzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, Tianjin and Beijing. I also served two terms on the international advisory committee for Wuhan. These experiences provide a broad perspective on business opportunities, getting things done in China and the challenges for U.S. companies across China.
I have served in AmCham leadership positions including the board and Vice Chairman of AmCham Shanghai, and as the AmCham China president (2006-2010) and board governor (2014-2015). Having worked for a Fortune 500 company as well as starting my own consulting practice, I have experienced the business challenges in China for both large and small companies. I understand how AmCham can effectively support all its members.
As China’s New Normal continues to evolve, my focus and contribution on the board will be in three areas:
- Supporting efforts to have a level playing field in China for all companies including U.S. companies.
- Advocating for China’s economic reforms to result in greater market opportunities for AmCham China’s members
- Increasing the value and cost effectiveness of AmCham China’s membership for all members
As the business, commercial and political environment in China becomes increasingly complex and challenging, AmCham China must play a more active role to support our members’ success.
I appreciate your vote and, if elected, will be honored to serve.
Biography
Michael Barbalas is a Beijing based consultant working with leading multinational and Chinese companies to improve their strategy and execution.
From 2010 to 2012 he served as President of Goodrich China. Michael joined Goodrich to develop and implement of an enterprise-wide China strategy. He worked with multiple global business units on China business initiatives and coordinated overall supply chain strategy. He was actively involved with the Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP).
Prior to Goodrich he served as the President of the AmCham China for three and half years, where he led the programs and services to support over 1,200 member companies and 2,600 individual members. He previously served on the board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, and was Vice Chairman of AmCham Shanghai in 2005.
From 1997 to 2006, he was Managing Director, Andrew Telecommunications (China) Co. Ltd. The China operations led the global company in delivery, quality and profitability. He also started two R&D centers that rapidly obtained patents for new products. He previously worked in management positions in Tianjin, China for Management Technologies International, and in Hong Kong for Friends of China Foundation. He holds a B.S degree in Chemistry from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Cornell University. Michael reads and speaks Chinese.
Michael was one of the first foreigners to be granted China permanent residence status. He is a member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations. Michael loves to play tennis and ski and is looking forward to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.