James Chai, a Master’s Degree holder, has studied at Automotive Engineering Department of Tsinghua University and Business School of Colorado State University respectively. He is also a PMP certified by Project Management Institute, USA. Since 1990, James Chai has served at China Academy for Launch-Vehicle Technology, Mercedes-Benz Beijing Liaison Office, Fiat Auto Beijing Representative Office, ASIMCO Group subsequently, holding various technical and managerial positions. He was named Director of Convention & Exhibition Department, then Assistant Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Automotive Committee (CCPIT-Auto) in 2009, mainly responsible for the execution of top level conferences and auto shows, as well as international cooperation. He was the key person to create the Global Automotive Forum in 2010 as the Secretary General of GAF Organizing Committee. Under his overall leadership, Global Automotive Forum, with 900+ participants, 80+ speakers, 20+ sessions and 150+ media organizations, has been ranked among top 10 most influential conferences in China since 2012. James is one of the 3 best performance award owners at CCPIT-Auto in 2012-2015. He is also a leading co-author of a popular science book Autonomous Driving Changes the Future, of 286 pages in size, published by China Machine Press in November 2017, and its English edition was published in early 2020 by the Springer, in Germany.

Lei Xing is a co-host of the China EVs & More Podcast, independent industry analyst/consultant and EV/AV/mobility enthusiast.

In his previous role as chief editor of China Automotive Review based in Beijing, Lei covered the Chinese auto industry for two decades through various newsletters, the only tabloid magazine in English exclusively focused on the Chinese auto market, conferences and consulting services. Over the years, Lei has interviewed numerous CEOs of both Chinese and global automakers and is well connected throughout the industry.

Lei has Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and an MBA from Babson College. He is currently based in Massachusetts in the U.S.

Bill Russo is the Shanghai-based founder and CEO of Automobility Limited, a strategy and investment advisory firm helping its clients to create the future of mobility. His over 35 years of experience include 15 years as an automotive executive in China and Asia and nearly 12 years in the electronics and information technology industries. He has worked as an advisor and consultant for numerous multinational and local Chinese firms in the formulation and implementation of their global market and product strategies. Bill is also currently serving as the chair of the Automotive Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai. In his current role, Bill advises startups, corporations, and investors on how to maximize their participation in China’s Automobility Revolution. Bill was previously the regional head of Chrysler in North East Asia.