Skip Whitney, CEO, Sanuk Mak to Accompany Governor Schwarzenegger on Trade Mission to Asia

Skip Whitney, CEO, Sanuk Mak and Co-Chair of the Bay Area Council China Initiative, a business advocacy organization, will accompany Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on a trade mission to China this week to increase California trade in Asia, help secure business for companies in the state and to bid on the World’s Fair for 2020. Sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce, Bay Area Council, and Los Angeles Business Council, the trip will bring together California's business leaders to meet with business and political representatives in each city as well as visit the World Expo in Shanghai.

As a key influencer and advisor in Silicon Valley and China relations, Whitney is instrumental in bringing US companies in the areas of Life Sciences, Biotech and Cleantech into China. The trip coincides with the launch of Sanuk Mak, a consultancy firm which opened an office at the Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) in Shanghai earlier this year. Whitney’s new venture is a driving force toward trans-Pacific cooperation that enables innovation and opportunity from business and investment strategies, early-stage funding and licensing, to Chinese government relations at all levels. “Sanuk Mak leverages our deep cross-cultural understanding, long-standing relationships and professional accomplishments across industries, markets, and countries,” said Whitney. “Our specific working knowledge of the ecosystems required to be successful allow us to close the inefficiency gap between cultures in doing business.”

Whitney serves as Strategic Advisor to Fudan University, founding member of Bay Area Council Yangtze Council China Initiative, Board of Directors, Bay Area Council, Advisory Board Member, to the City of San Francisco ChinaSF. Whitney has played a key role on this trip identifying innovation companies that will sign Memorandums of Understanding with government officials and leaders in Shanghai in the areas of education and green tech sustainability.

About Sanuk Mak

Sanuk Mak provides China and US businesses services to create a sustainable environment and nurture innovation. They include: Business strategy, competitive analysis, early stage funding and investment strategies, and Central, Provincial and District Chinese government relations. For more information visit us at www.sanukmak.com.