China Institute in America has announced the appointment of James B. Heimowitz as President of the New York based cultural organization which has served as a ‘window to China‘ for 88 years.
Mr. Heimowitz has a background in finance, management consulting and public relations. He is widely recognized for helping to change the way China is viewed globally through his work with Chinese companies and government for more than 20 years. He spearheaded international media for the 2008 Beijing Olympics as CEO of Hill + Knowlton Strategies Asia, and has served in senior China-focused positions at Deutsche Bank, the Boston Consulting Group and JP Morgan Chase.
China Institute (CI) Board Chairman Chien Chung Pei, the son of I.M. Pei, and Founder of Pei Partnership Architects said “We are delighted that James will be at the helm at this transformational time for CI. James’ deep knowledge of China and management experience is exactly what the Board was looking for in its year-long search for a leader.”
Mr. Heimowitz commented: “In my view, the U.S. and China are the most influential countries on this planet, and bringing these two great cultures and their people closer together is something about which I am very passionate. I’m honored to have the support and confidence of the Board as CI enters this very important transformational period with a mandate to significantly expand the breadth and depth of programming. ”
In 2015, the Institute will move to a brand new 50,000 sq. foot premise – almost 5 times its present space — in Lower Manhattan to accommodate expansion plans.
China Institute was founded in 1926 by prominent Chinese who wanted to promote a better understanding of, and appreciation for, Chinese culture, language and business. The Institute’s School of Chinese Studies, founded in 1933, is the oldest educational center of its kind in the US, and the Gallery, approaching its 50 th Anniversary, has become one of the most highly regarded institutions for Chinese art in the US. CI was the launch partner for the Confucius Institute, which the Chinese Government formed 10 years ago to promote a better understanding of China through language learning.