Ashton Lee joined the MBA programme not with a target company or industry in mind, like many students but with a target country: China. Thai born to Chinese parents, Ashton had always wanted to work in mainland China, to be part of what he considers the hub of world economic growth. Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan were home to Ashton before he settled outside Washington DC and gained his undergrad’ in Economics from the University of Chicago.
Prior to attending Saïd, Ashton worked in New York for American Express in online strategy and consumer marketing, coming to that position after working as a consultant in financial services strategy at KPMG Consulting, also in New York. Ashton decided to do an MBA at Said to reinforce his professional strengths, shore up weaknesses and have the opportunity to meet a varied international network of people.
“What I found at Oxford were students from all walks of life, learning, growing, and openly debating a great span of the world’s issues,” says Ashton. “My classmates continue to educate me to this day, an invaluable part of the Oxford experience.” Ashton was also attracted to Said for its international authority. “The Oxford brand opens doors, not just within the alumni network but it allows you to start conversations with people worldwide.”
A highlight of the course for Ashton, included the range of classes available beyond the core curriculum. “Classes like Eric Thun’s Business in China gave me the chance to tailor the MBA toward what I wanted to do after graduation.” The Strategic Consulting Project was another highlight, taking Ashton to Beijing and across China. “I learned a great deal about consumer distribution channels and consumer habits in China, which has aided me immeasurably in my professional life since,” he says.
After graduation in 2007, Ashton joined Standard Chartered Bank (China) as Head of Consumer Product Strategy, then as VP of Strategic Initiatives. “I gained a good insight into China’s regional markets, consumer behaviours, acquisition channels and sales methodology along with getting a better understanding of the tactics and speed of execution necessary to succeed in a market where new competitors are literally launched every day.” Ashton is now VP of Business Development for the China-based start-up, www.travelzen.com, an online travel booking service with facilities unique in the Chinese market.
In the next five years Ashton will work towards growing companies in Greater China and help Chinese companies grow and integrate internationally. He aims for Travelzen to become a global leader in the travel industry, developing innovative products and services to be enjoyed worldwide. “I am forever a student,” says Ashton. “I do not see that changing in the next five years or 50 for that matter.”