2026 AESC Global Summit on Leadership in Hong Kong

Where the Future of Leadership Comes Into Focus

The AESC Global Summit on Leadership in Hong Kong brings together leaders in executive search, leadership consulting, and talent advisory for insight, connection, and forward-looking conversation. Set in one of Asia’s most dynamic international business hubs, the Summit offers a valuable opportunity to explore the trends redefining leadership globally, with timely perspective from across the APAC region.

The Experience

Applause, seminar and news with business people and technology for networking, industry panel and keynote speaker. Hackathon, summit and ai ethics with speech for audience, success and conference

Market-Shaping Conversations

Hear from influential voices on the trends accelerating change across leadership, talent, and business in APAC and beyond.

Global Insight, Regional Relevance

Explore big-picture shifts through a lens that reflects the realities, opportunities, and momentum of the APAC market.

Powerful Global Connections

Build relationships with senior leaders, trusted advisors, and industry peers in conversations designed to continue beyond the Summit.

Momentum for What’s Next

Leave re-energised by the conversations, connections, and insight that can help move your business forward.

Agenda

Day One (September 2nd) kicks off the Summit with a welcome reception from 18:00 to 20:00.

The Summit begins with a welcome reception designed to spark conversation, create connections, and set the tone for the day ahead.

Day Two (September 3rd) begins at 08:00 with registration and concludes at 17:00.

Day two brings the Summit into full focus, with an exciting day of insights, conversations, and connections centered on the future of leadership across APAC and beyond.

Speakers

Phillip John Campbell

CEO, Cognitive Neuroscientist, Executive Brain Coach, Speaker and Author

Phillip is the CEO of enigmaFIT, a global brain coaching company committed to cognitive excellence. As a pioneer in leadership development, his focus is on one critical question.

Over the past 25 years, he has worked with Fortune 500 executives and entrepreneurs in the USA, Europe and Asia-Pacific developing the ‘brain skills’ the World Economic Forum (WEF) identifies as the foundation of future competitiveness: analytical thinking, adaptability, creativity, resilience, complex problem solving, and social leadership.

These are not personality traits — they are trainable cognitive capabilities.

At the core of developing ‘brain skills’ he has leveraged the principles of neuroscience and developed the Fluid Thinking Framework—the ability to process information clearly, cut through noise, and make high-quality decisions under pressure. These are subconscious brain routines that operate below conscious awareness and shape how people think, relearn, and perform. They are grounded in over 70 years of research into the CHC Theory of Human Cognitive Abilities to strengthen and develop the 10 Brain Skills. The WEF says ‘brain skills’ are the most critical capabilities for the future and a strategic economic asset in the AI Era.

He is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author for his contributions to the ‘Habits of Success’ book. Also, his latest book ‘Brain Habits: The Science of Subconscious of Success’ is an Amazon #1 Best Seller in Developmental Biology and has been translated into Simplified Chinese, Korean, Arabic and soon to be released in Turkish.

Dr. Richard Colwill

Head of Engineering and Innovation, InterContinental Energy

Richard is the Head of Engineering and Innovation at InterContinental Energy.   He leads a world-class engineering team in developing innovative strategies for green hydrogen technology and implements them through collaboration with project partners. Richard brings over 30 years of experience in engineering and risk management with a specialization in planning, infrastructure, and logistics. Originally from the UK where he pursued careers in offshore Oil & Gas, and academia, he has lived and worked for the last three decades in Hong Kong, supporting the delivery of projects across the region.

Lincoln Pan

Chief Executive Officer, Jardine Matheson

Lincoln Pan was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Jardine Matheson in December 2025. He is chair of DFI Retail, a director of Hongkong Land and a commissioner for Astra International.

Mr. Pan joined from PAG, the largest fully diversified alternative investment business in the Asia Pacific region, where he was a partner and co-head of Private Equity and a member of the Group Executive Committee. He previously held the role of chief executive officer, Greater China at WTW (previously known as Willis Towers Watson), served in executive roles at Advantage Partners and GE Capital, and worked at McKinsey & Company.

Mr. Pan graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English. He subsequently earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Harvard Law School and is qualified to practice law in the State of New York, United States. Mr. Pan resides in Hong Kong.

Alex Richardson

Executive Vice President, Human Resources, DFS Group Limited

Alex commenced her tenure at DFS in 2021 as EVP Human Resources, building upon a significant 14-year career at PepsiCo. She is recognized for her extensive experience in leadership, organizational effectiveness and the implementation of transformational growth strategies, coupled with a profound commitment to talent development, diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Academically, Alex earned degrees in Applied Science from the University of South Australia and Law from the University of Adelaide. Her qualifications also include a Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice from the University of South Australia, and she has further enhanced her expertise through executive HR education programs at Harvard Business School and Ross School of Business in Michigan. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Alex is an accomplished competitive open water swimmer.

Venue & Where to Stay

The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong

Overlooking Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong pairs contemporary luxury with a prime location at the center of the city’s energy and international appeal. From refined guest rooms and acclaimed dining to convenient access to Hong Kong’s leading business, shopping, and entertainment districts, the hotel offers an ideal setting for connection, conversation, and inspiration.

A special room block has been arranged for Summit attendees at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Book through this link to receive the special rate. This rate is available 31 August – 5 September.

Recognise a Colleague with an AESC Award

Celebrate excellence in executive search and leadership consulting through the AESC Awards. Nominate a colleague or firm to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to our profession. Nominations close July 31, 2026.

Awards include: Vanguard Award, Lifetime Achievement, Award of Excellence, Opportunity & Inclusion Award, Commitment to the Community Award, and Future of the Profession

Submit a Nomination