Campaign Statement
Esteemed AmCham China voting members, as Boeing’s China Country Counsel, a long-time China resident and an actively engaged member of Beijing’s legal and business communities, I seek your vote for election as Governor of AmCham China 2019 Board of Governors.
Aviation cooperation serves as an important “anchor” in the US China relationship. Boeing has a long-standing history of cooperation with the Chinese aviation industry and the Chinese government that traces back nearly 50 years (Nixon’s 1972 visit to China led to the introduction of Boeing aircraft to the Chinese market).
With a “new era of turbulence” and an inflection point in US-China relations upon us, I believe that Boeing’s long-standing contribution to China can help bolster AmCham China’s success. Boeing is recognized as an industry leader in supporting a stable and robust U.S.-China trade relationship and remains committed to demonstrating the value of bilateral trade and advocating for a policy of deep engagement.
As the current General Counsel of AmCham China, I work closely with AmCham China’s leadership and participate as a non-voting member of the Board of Governors. Over the past two years, I have led various advocacy initiatives and working groups on behalf of the Board. My experience demonstrates that I possess the passion and dedication to make a valuable contribution to AmCham China’s mission. With your vote, I look forward to continuing to serve as a constructive voice in promoting bilateral cooperating and a strong advocate for the business community.
If elected, my primary goal is to be a pro-active and engaged leader with a keen focus on listening to our members and building consensus to the benefit of AmCham China’s diverse stakeholders
I would be grateful for your support and honored if elected.
Biography
Jeff Layman is China Country Counsel for the Boeing Corporation, where he is the primary attorney responsible for Boeing’s business operations in China, a position he has held since January 2018. Prior to joining Boeing, Jeff was a partner and chief representative of the Beijing office of an international law firm. He first arrived in China in 1991 as a “foreign expert” teaching at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and has been actively involved in advising on China-related business transactions since he began practicing law in 1997.
He currently serves as General Counsel to AmCham China. In 2017, AmCham China presented Jeff with its inaugural Chairman’s Award, recognizing him as “the Unsung Hero for his selfless contribution to the Chamber.” “As the General Counsel of the Chamber, Jeff really lives up to his reputation as a professional and dedicated person in his area,” said Chairman William Zarit, who presented the award. “We thank him for effectively tackling many of our thorniest challenges.”
With over twenty years of experience, Jeff has represented a broad spectrum of multinational companies on investments in China. While in private practice his experience included representing sponsors and lenders in the development, construction and financing of infrastructure projects. Jeff routinely assists on joint ventures, restructurings, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory matters. Chambers Asia has recognized Jeff as one of Asia’s leading business lawyers and describes him as “a conclusive choice for deals involving Chinese counterparties.”
Jeff earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law and Bachelor of Arts from Claremont McKenna College. He studied Mandarin at the Universities of California, Berkeley and San Diego, Pomona College, Beijing Language and Culture University and Middlebury College.