In the fast-paced world of finance, where numbers reign supreme, Dr Eva Chan has carved out a unique path. With over 25 years of experience and a track record of success, Chan has become a trailblazer in the field of investor relations, shattering stereotypes and empowering a new generation of finance professionals.
Chan’s journey began as a CFO, where her keen eye for detail and expertise in initial public offerings (IPOs) showed she had what it takes to succeed in the industry. But it was a chance encounter that led her to discover her true calling.
‘I was working as a CFO at a state-owned enterprise when a friend mentioned an investor relations position had opened up at a listed multinational corporation. I applied, and it turned out I loved the work,’ Chan recalls. ‘Investor relations then was still an emerging field. Most people didn’t really understand what it involved, often confusing it with public relations.’
Skills transfer
Chan’s transition from accounting to investor relations may have happened by chance, but her accounting background has been invaluable in her new role. ‘My previous experience as a CFO and my involvement with IPOs proved extremely valuable,’ she explains. ‘The skills I developed as a CFO transferred perfectly. When institutional investors would ask detailed questions about financials, I could address them confidently thanks to my accounting background.’
‘I thoroughly enjoy communicating with investors and fund managers from around the world’
As head of investor relations at C C Land Holdings, Chan has honed her skills in navigating the complex world of finance. She formulates investor relations strategies, conducts meetings with investors and fund managers worldwide, and leads corporate finance exercises and restructuring activities. Her unique perspective as an independent non-executive director at Capital Environment Holdings and Xtep International Holdings allows her to review financial statements and performance metrics with a critical eye.
The main difference between being a CFO and working in investor relations, according to Chan, is the focus on people. ‘CFOs primarily deal with paperwork and consolidating numbers, while investor relations is all about people. It’s much more dynamic,’ she says. ‘I thoroughly enjoy communicating with investors and fund managers from around the world. They’re incredibly intelligent, highly educated people with excellent analytical skills. I’ve learned a great deal from them, and many have become good friends over the years.’
Two-way street
Chan’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the power of clear communication – and communication is a two-way street. ‘Many workplace problems stem from poor communication, and people often make incorrect assumptions. Whether in our professional or personal lives, we need to ensure clear, two-way communication,’ she says.
‘Coaching really opened up a whole new world for me’
This belief extends to her role as an executive coach. ‘All of my professional roles complement each other. Coaching is a distinct field but deeply connected to human resources. It really opened up a whole new world for me,’ she explains. ‘While accounting is very logical and structured, coaching is much broader – it deals with human nature and emotions.’
‘Unlike consultants who provide answers, coaches ask questions that help people discover their own solutions. Everyone has the innate ability to solve their problems – they just need guidance,’ she says. Chan believes that this approach can lead to powerful transformations.
Throughout her 25-year career, Chan has witnessed a gradual increase in female representation in Hong Kong’s corporate boardrooms, although progress has been modest. ‘It’s actually surprising, as the proportion of females at work in Hong Kong is quite high and we are supported by the availability of domestic helpers,’ she notes.
While the government and HKEX have made efforts to promote gender diversity, Chan believes that a broader view of diversity is necessary. ‘Right now, a lot of attention is given to gender, but board diversity is also in age group, skillset and more. For example, we need to include more young people in boardrooms to bring in new innovative thinking,’ she says.
Evolving role
As an educator, Chan is passionate about empowering the next generation of finance professionals. In her current and past roles as an adjunct professor in the School of Accounting and Finance of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The City University of Hong Kong and The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, she emphasises the importance of strong interpersonal skills in an AI-driven world.
CV
2023
Adjunct professor, The City University of Hong Kong
2022
Adjunct professor, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
2022
Independent non-executive director, Xtep International Holdings
2020
Regional chair, Greater China, Association for Coaching
2015
Adjunct professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
2013
Independent non-executive director, Capital Environment Holdings
2008
Chairman, Hong Kong Investor Relations Association
2007
Head of investor relations, C C Land Holdings
‘While accounting has traditionally been a conservative industry, the role of accountants is evolving. Now that AI can handle most documentation and analysis, communication skills have become the key,’ she says. ‘Finance and accounting professionals need strong interpersonal abilities to succeed. It’s something that machines simply can’t replicate.’
‘You place the big rocks first to create a solid foundation, then add the smaller ones’
For aspiring finance professionals, her advice is to focus on understanding and addressing different stakeholders’ needs in an increasingly interconnected business world. ‘They must effectively manage their teams while also communicating clearly with senior leadership. When I teach my students, I keep coming back to this point,’ she says.
Chan’s ability to balance her many roles – executive, director, professor and coach – is a testament to her exceptional time-management skills and resilience. She’s proven that again and again she can wear many hats and still come out on top. ‘I started developing these habits as a teenager, and I owe a lot to my mum for instilling these values in me. She’s always been incredibly organised, even with everyday tasks like cooking,’ says Chan.
And there’s more to Chan’s approach to managing responsibilities: ‘I’ve developed a strong sense of how to prioritise tasks. It’s like filling a bottle with rocks: you place the big rocks first to create a solid foundation, then add the smaller ones. That’s how I approach my work.’
Throughout her career and life, Chan’s positive outlook and solution-oriented mindset have been her greatest assets. ‘Looking back, I’ve always learned from my mistakes. I try to stay positive,’ she says. ‘We face countless challenges every day, both personally and professionally, but I choose to focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.’
