WKCDA announces the appointment of new Chief Operating Officer

The Board of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA) today announced the appointment of Mr William Chan as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). Mr Chan will assume duty on 4 July 2016, reporting directly to the WKCDA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Duncan Pescod.

Mr Chan will bring to the WKCDA invaluable experience in construction project management and project delivery gained through a long career in a number of senior positions in these areas. He was formerly the Executive Director of the Kerry Properties Ltd. He also worked for Cyberport Management Co. Ltd. and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation.

Mr Chan was selected following an extensive search for the post of COO that was vacated by Mr Pescod when the latter became CEO in August 2015. As COO, Mr Chan will support the CEO in overseeing the infrastructural development and construction delivery of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) project. This appointment helps ensure the project remains on schedule as it moves into a period of intense construction that will see the Xiqu Centre opening in 2018 along with areas of the park, and M+ and Freespace in 2019.

Mrs Carrie Lam, Chairman of the Board of WKCDA, said, “The appointment will further strengthen our team for delivering this mega project that is destined to leave a mark on the cityscape and history of Hong Kong. We have high expectations on Mr Chan - for not just delivering the first batch of core venues on time with rigorous cost control, but also moving forward the next stage of development to ensure that the project is brought fully to fruition in good time and put on a sustainable footing.”

Mr Duncan Pescod, CEO of the WKCDA, said, “The COO position plays a key role in overseeing and driving the implementation of this important project and Mr Chan will greatly enrich the management team’s expertise. With construction proceeding at full speed at numerous locations across the site, Mr Chan will provide the invaluable experience and knowledge required to manage the project delivery dimensions of this challenging and yet exciting project. Together we are determined to ensure the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority fulfills its mission to provide Hong Kong with a world-class arts and cultural district for all.”

Mr Chan joins the WKCDA at a pivotal moment with a number of key elements of the WKCD project progressing in full steam. In late February the main theatre superstructure of the Xiqu Centre was lifted to its full height of 45 metres. Construction of the main structure of the M+ museum is underway and foundation works for the Lyric Theatre Complex and the surrounding basement below the Artist Square have recently commenced. In addition, the first permanent facility in the district, the M+ Pavilion is going to open this summer with construction of the surrounding park commencing later in the year.