Head of Business Engagement, Asia Pacific

Please Note: This role requires the ability to work on site 3 days per week per company policy.

Why we are recruiting

We are seeking a Head of Business Engagement, Asia Pacific to lead the Forum's engagement with the region's leading companies and shape its partnership strategy and commercial growth across this strategically important geography.

This leadership role is responsible for driving both new partner (account) acquisition (sales) and the long-term success of the existing partner portfolio, while leading a high-performing regional team and delivering against ambitious commercial and organizational objectives.

Success in this role requires a deep understanding of Asia Pacific business, geopolitical and macroeconomic landscape, coupled with the ability to anticipate and interpret the implications of global transformations, including artificial intelligence, the energy transition, evolving trade and investment patterns, and geopolitical shifts, for the region's industries and business leaders.

Working across the Forum's internal ecosystem, the Head of Business Engagement will mobilize cross-functional expertise to deliver a compelling, multistakeholder value proposition for partners, strengthen executive engagement across the region, and help shape the Forum's strategic agenda in Asia Pacific.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Forum's partnership strategy and commercial growth across Asia Pacific, defining and executing a regional plan aligned with institutional priorities and long-term objectives.
• Lead and develop a high-performing regional business team, ensuring delivery against key performance indicators, including partner acquisition (sales), retention and portfolio expansion.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with CEOs, Chairs and other senior executives across Asia Pacific, serving as a strategic advisor and helping organizations maximize the value of their engagement with the Forum.
• Drive business development across industries by cultivating a robust pipeline, engaging senior decision-makers and converting high-potential opportunities into long-term Forum partnerships.
• Drive the long-term success of the regional partner portfolio through proactive partnership stewardship, early risk identification, and the design and execution of targeted mitigation and growth strategies.
• Collaborate closely with Heads of Industry, Heads of Centres, and other senior colleagues to coordinate strategic engagement efforts and deploy the Forum’s expertise effectively across partner development and retention activities.
• Shape and articulate the Forum's strategic narrative on Asia Pacific's future, working in close collaboration with the Centre for Regions, Trade and Geopolitics and other internal stakeholders.
• Oversee regional business planning, portfolio performance and resource allocation, ensuring disciplined execution, strong governance and effective cross-functional coordination.

Qualifications & Skills

• Advanced degree and 15+ years of experience in business development, strategic engagement or stakeholder management, with deep knowledge of the Asia Pacific region and its business landscape.
• Demonstrated success in building trusted relationships with senior executives, including CEOs, Chairs and C-suite leaders, and translating strategic business priorities into tailored engagement strategies.
• Strong track record in business development, with a consultative approach and a proven ability to identify, develop and convert high-potential opportunities.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management experience, with a collaborative, inclusive and results-oriented leadership style.
• Excellent cross-sectoral, cross-cultural communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong strategic, operational and financial acumen, with experience in budget management, resource allocation and performance oversight.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, international environment; willing and able to travel up to 40%.

Why join us?

Join an independent and impartial organization with over 55 years of connecting leaders to make sense of global challenges and move the world forward together.