Thirty and Thriving: Bridging Cultures, Driving Global Success

As CEIBS celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, we reflect on the journeys of our esteemed alumni who exemplify the school's mission to bridge China and Europe through business education. One such alumnus is Archie Preston, whose career in China cross border investment and strategy showcases the value of cross-cultural communication and global business acumen cultivated at CEIBS.

A Foundation in Chinese Studies

Archie Preston's journey began with an unexpected but impactful decision. In high school, he serendipitously received a book on modern Chinese history as a prize, which sparked his interest in China. This interest led him to major in Chinese studies at Cambridge, where he spent his third year at Peking University, immersing himself in the language and culture of China. "It was not particularly well thought through," Archie recalls, "but it ended up shaping my entire career path."

Venturing into Finance

After graduating, Archie moved to Hong Kong. There, he began his career in equity capital markets within investment banking, advising mainland Chinese companies on Hong Kong Stock Exchange IPOs. This role provided Archie with invaluable experience in understanding business models and financials, honing his skills in due diligence and analysis.

Reflecting on his transition from humanities to finance, Archie notes, "The UK’s flexible education system allowed me to adapt quickly to the financial sector. It was a steep learning curve, but it equipped me with the ability to navigate complex projects effectively."

Embracing M&A and Strategic Partnerships

After four years in equity capital markets, Archie sought a more dynamic and creative role, leading him to join DealGlobe, an investment banking firm specialising in M&A. Here, he learned the intricacies of deal-making, from networking to understanding the diverse interests of stakeholders. "The founder was a master networker," Archie says, "and he taught me the importance of building relationships and understanding each party’s objectives."

One of Archie's proudest achievements at DealGlobe was leading the sale of several hospitals in the Greater Bay Area to a major US private equity fund, a sizeable deal. He also navigated the firm through challenging times, maintaining a strong and motivated team during the COVID-19 pandemic. "We got some good deals done in difficult conditions, and I was proud to see our junior team stay motivated and committed," he reflects.

Transitioning to Corporate Strategy

Archie's career took a significant turn when he joined Yuwell Global as the International Strategy and Investment Director. In this role, he leverages his investment banking background to identify potential investments and M&A opportunities while also building strategic partnerships with international players. Archie’s responsibilities also include setting up international operations, a challenging task that requires navigating cultural differences and ensuring effective communication between teams in China and overseas.

"Yuwell Global’s ambition to expand internationally aligns well with my expertise," Archie explains. "I have worked to enable Yuwell to establish a presence in the US and Europe, hiring teams and setting up operations from scratch. This role has pushed me to deepen my understanding of the medical device industry, from product specifications to supply chain logistics."

As Archie continues to drive Yuwell Global’s international expansion, he remains passionate about the potential of Chinese companies on the global stage. He sees a growing recognition of Chinese brands' quality and innovation, particularly in the medical device industry.

“CEIBS has a crucial role to play in this trend,” Archie notes. “The skills and knowledge we acquire here are perfectly aligned with the needs of Chinese companies going international. It’s an exciting time for CEIBS and its alumni.”

The Impact of CEIBS MBA

Archie credits his CEIBS MBA for significantly enhancing his career. "The CEIBS MBA gave me the time and space to explore different career paths,” he reflects. “It wasn’t just about learning; it was about engaging with a community of like-minded individuals and thinking deeply about my future.”

He highlights the importance of integrity and interpersonal relationships in strategic partnerships and investments. “So much of this work comes down to people,” he emphasises. “Building trust and maintaining transparency are crucial. Your reputation is your most valuable asset.”

The MBA programme provided Archie with a comprehensive understanding of strategic analysis, industry opportunities, and effective management practices. Group-based projects and networking opportunities were particularly beneficial, allowing Archie to develop practical skills and build a robust professional network. "Working with different types of people on group projects taught me a lot about collaboration and leadership," he adds.

Greetings on CEIBS' 30th Anniversary

Reflecting on CEIBS’ milestone anniversary, Archie extends his gratitude to the institution. “Thank you for everything CEIBS has provided during my MBA and beyond. In these challenging times, the importance of CEIBS' mission to bridge China and Europe is more vital than ever. Keep up the great work!

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