The Consumer Council today (March 1) announced the appointment of Ms. Connie LAU Yin Hing to be its new Chief Executive, with effect from April 1.
Ms. LAU, currently the Deputy Chief Executive, has wide and varied experience in the consumer field for over 30 years.
A graduate of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1973, she first joined the Council as Research and Survey Officer in November 1974, was promoted to Chief Research and Testing Officer in April 1983, became Principal Research and Survey Officer in November 1997 before assuming her present post of Deputy Chief Executive in November 2003.
The appointment of Ms. LAU followed open advertisements in October last year, and an extensive search of candidates by the firm Russell Reynolds Associates and the Search Committee comprising the Council Chairman, Vice-Chairman, four Members of the Council, and an official of Economic Development and Labour Bureau.
The appointment was approved by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in accordance with section 10(1) and (4)(a) of the Consumer Council Ordinance (Chapter 216).
The Council Chairman, Prof. K.C. CHAN, said it has been a most thorough search for the suitable candidate to fill this highly demanding job.
"Ms. LAU is obviously a very strong candidate whose proven ability and competent performance has met the diverse criteria set out for the position of Chief Executive to head such a complex organization," he said.
She is also widely recognized for her public credibility in the advocacy of consumer interests, he added.
Ms. LAU is active in public service currently representing the Council on many public and community bodies, including the Advisory Committee on Travel Agents, the Travel Industry Compensation Fund Management Board, and the Estate Agents Authority.
She also serves as Member of the Expert Committee on Food Safety of the Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Investor Education Advisory Committee of the Securities and Futures Commission, and the Sub-Committee of Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations of the Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Looking ahead, the Chief Executive designate attaches great importance to the role of the Consumer Council as the effective influential voice for consumers.
Towards this goal, the Council must work closely with various government departments and agencies on all matters of consumer interest and concern. It will strive to come up with information and education programmes that meet the changes in Hong Kong's economy and demography.
The Council will continue to establish and maintain close ties with the Mainland in respect of consumer protection, such as the provision and ready access of information and advice to Mainland tourists.
The Council will also seek to enhance its communication with the various stakeholders - the consumer public including the complainants, and the business community - for active support of its multifaceted functions and activities in the consumer field.
While congratulating and welcoming Ms. LAU on her appointment, the Council Chairman, Prof. K.C. CHAN, also took the opportunity to express deep gratitude, on behalf of the Council, to the outgoing Chief Executive, Mrs. Pamela CHAN, for her invaluable and distinguished service in the field of consumer protection and empowerment.
"I sincerely wish her the very best and every great success in all her future endeavours," he added.
Issued by
Consumer Council
1st March 2007