China’s premier corporate specialist with global standards.

Ann Sophie de Meester.

Group Operations Program Director

Ann Sophie is a director of Acclime China, co-manages the team and focuses on maintaining strong client relationships.

Before joining Acclime China, Ann Sophie was the Group Financial Controller for a Norwegian multinational, and she worked as director for corporate services at Chinese law firm R&P China Lawyers. Over several years working in China, she has built extensive experience advising foreign companies on tax compliance for various cross-border operations, including VAT and CIT optimization. She specializes in intercompany transactions, and reconciliation of financial statements so that they comply with IFRS and China GAAP.

Ann Sophie was educated at Aarhus University in Denmark, with a dual BA in Chinese and Business Administration. Ann Sophie also attended programs at Shanghai Jiaotong University and Shanghai Donghua University, and is fluent in Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, English and Chinese (Mandarin).

Florian Braunsteiner.

Commercial Director, North Asia

Florian is based in Hong Kong and his experience lies in advising international companies wanting to grow their Greater China and APAC business. He leads the business development teams. Moreover, Florian is also responsible for Acclime’s North Asia ERP and CRM services, supporting clients to improve their operations management through digitisation.

Prior to moving to Hong Kong and joining Acclime, Florian worked for a consulting firm in Shanghai where he mostly assisted European firms entering the Chinese market. Moreover, he worked several years in Austria in various banking roles. Florian is deeply involved in understanding the intricacies of the current business environment in China, as well as international trade agreements and affairs between Asia and Europe.

Florian received his bachelor’s degree from the Vienna University of Economics and Business and a master’s degree from the Grenoble Graduate School of Business. He speaks English, German, Chinese, Spanish, and French.

Gina Chen.

Accounting Services Director

Gina is the operations director of Acclime China. She manages the team of financial consultants and accountants to provide high-level corporate services to the subsidiaries of multinational and transnational companies in China; and plays an important role in Acclime China’s expansion through M&A activities.

She joined Acclime China from R&P China Lawyers, where she managed operations for the firm’s corporate service department. Her main expertise relates to bookkeeping, PRC & IFRS financial report, tax filing, tax planning & advice, risk control, corporate restructuring, financial due and financial advisory. As head of advisory, she is actively involved in complex tax matters and financial due diligence projects.

Gina graduated from Nanjing University and is PRC Certified Public Accountant. She is fluent in Chinese and English.

Joy Lu.

Senior Accountant

Joy is Acclime China’s senior accountant. She is in charge of some of the firm’s key accounts and co-supervises the accounting team.

Before joining Acclime China, Joy was accounting manager of US multinational, East Balt Baker Shanghai Co., Ltd. (the main burger supplier of McDonald and KFC in Mainland China) for ten years, and senior accountant of the corporate services department of R&P China Lawyers.

Joy graduated from the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics with a LL.B. in accounting. She is a PRC Certified Public Accountant since 2003 and is fluent in Chinese and English.

Maarten Roos.

Partner

Maarten is a partner of Acclime China and as executive director has overall responsibility for the business. He is leading the financial and operations managers, supports expansion efforts of Acclime China, and safeguards and continues to improve Acclime Group’s high-quality service level in China.

Originally from the Netherlands, Maarten has been in China since 1999 and is fluent in Chinese. He worked for a leading law firm Wang Jing & Co. in Guangzhou, and in 2010 joined R&P China Lawyers, a boutique Shanghai-based law firm that supports international companies in China.

Maarten graduated from Leiden University (the Netherlands), and attended courses at Guangzhou’s Sun Yat-sen University, the Hong Kong Open University, and Harvard Law School (Leaders for Lawyers, 2018). He is on the supervisory board of 30+ subsidiaries of multinationals in China, and he is an arbitrator of the Shanghai International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (Shanghai Arbitration Center / SHIAC) specialising in disputes on foreign investment, joint ventures and international cooperation, corporate law and contract law.

Robin Tabbers.

Partner

Robin is a partner of Acclime China. As executive director, he is also responsible for expansion, sales, and marketing, leads the business development and key accounts managers, and takes charge of Acclime China’s expansion through new client acquisitions and M&A.

He has been in China since 2010, when he joined R&P China Lawyers, a boutique Shanghai-based law firm that supports international companies in China.

Robin graduated from Tilburg University (the Netherlands), with a background in international law and economics. He is on the supervisory board of the China subsidiaries of several multinational companies. Legal directories’ client feedback praises him for his no-nonsense, direct and going-the-extra-mile approach when it comes to structuring and advising them on their China investment.

Emily Shi.

Partner, Accounting Services Director

Emily joined the Acclime team in January 2021 as Partner. She is responsible for leading the finance team which, provide high-level commercial business service to customers. Emily also takes the lead in managing the daily operations of the Beijing office.

Emily Shi has worked in the accounting field for almost 20 years. Prior to Acclime China, Emily Shi worked as CFO for many western entities, including Hong Kong, American, and European based companies. With ample knowledge and rich accounting and management experiences, Emily is dedicated to providing international and professional service with integrity and passion.

Emily graduated from the Zhejiang University of South China with the major of English Language Literature. She has earned both international and professional accounting qualification and proudly maintains her Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) certificate.

Maxime Van ‘t Klooster.

Partner, Operation & Strategy Director

Maxime joined Acclime in January 2021 as Partner and Director of Acclime’s Beijing office. Furthermore, he leads the consulting department and is responsible for local business development and client relations.

Maxime was co-owner and COO of 1421 Consulting Group, which was acquired by Acclime. With over 7 years of experience in China, Maxime has advised clients in various industries on their strategy, market-entry, and local operations.

Maxime graduated from Maastricht University with a master’s degree in International Business and a bachelor’s degree in Business Economics. He also attended programs in Beijing, China, and Grenoble, France. Maxime is fluent in Dutch, English, and French.

Michael Pronk.

Partner, BD Director Europe

Michael joined the Acclime Group as Partner in January 2021 and serves as the head of business development and digital marketing in Europe. Michael is responsible for establishing strategic partnerships in Europe, finding potential clients, and establishing the name of Acclime within the Western world.

Michael Pronk was co-owner and CEO of 1421 Consulting Group, which was acquired by Acclime. Michael has 10 years of experience in international business development and marketing. Through his leadership, 1421 Consulting Group became a recognised brand in Europe.

Michael is an entrepreneur at heart, owning other business ventures in the Netherlands. Michael has a Fashion and Management Bachelor’s degree from the Amsterdam Fashion Institute.

Peter Pronk.

Ambassador

Since 1983, Peter has been a serial entrepreneur starting and partnering with over 24 companies across many different industries. In 2011, he founded 1421 Consulting Group which has supported over 250 global companies’ China-related business activities. In December 2020, 1421 Consulting Group joined the Acclime group where Peter will be the Ambassador of Acclime, supporting the BD team with bringing in new business. Peter is currently based in the Netherlands.

Peter originates from a meat “family” and The Hague. In 1983, he started his own meat processing company (P. Pronk Vlees B.V.), which he ran until 1997. Through various consulting assignments and his shareholding and management role at Swilion Business Consulting (1997 – 2005) he transitioned his work to the renewable energy sector. From 2005 to 2010, Peter was the Asia director for the Dutch wind turbine producer, Emergya Wind Technologies B.V. (EWT). In this role, he built up the market in Asia with an emphasis on China. In 2008, Peter moved to China with his wife and daughter. In April 2011, Peter started 1421 Consulting Group Ltd. with the goal of supporting Western companies doing business in China. From October 2018 until June 2020, Peter served as the director of a European Union-funded project called EUSME Centre, carried out by 6 Chamber of Commerce (London, Brussels and Beijing). In September 2020, Peter and his wife moved back to the Netherlands, where he now is the board member of an international meat company named F. Wellink Lekkerkerk B.V.

Peter holds a degree of life experience from the University of the world and likes to learn and experience more every day.

Russell Brown OBE.

Vice-Chairman & Partner

Russell Brown OBE is Vice Chairman and Partner of Acclime Group, a regional corporate services firm. In 2001 Russell founded LehmanBrown International Accountants, a China‐focused accounting, taxation and business advisory firm employing around 200 professionals. LehmanBrown merged into Acclime Group in 2021. At LehmanBrown Russell was the Managing Partner.

Russell has over 36 years working experience including 27 years living in China and involved establishing and developing businesses in China. Prior to founding LehmanBrown Russell was Global CFO of one of the world’s largest public relations and communications consulting companies and prior to this their Asia Pacific Regional CFO.

He currently acts as advisor to international companies entering the China market and to Chinese companies venturing abroad. He has advised in a wide range of industries and business situations in China and Hong Kong. He is also a frequent speaker at conferences and seminars on cross border taxation, accounting and doing business in and with China and Hong Kong.

He is currently Treasurer of the British Chamber of Commerce in China and Treasurer of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in China. He has previously held various positions including Chair and Vice Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, Vice Chair of the China‐Britain Business Council (CBBC), Chair and Director of the Asia Transformation and Turnaround Association. He is also an Honorary Member of The 48 Group Club.

Russell gained a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from Bournemouth University, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) in the UK and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW). He is also a Certified Global Management Accountant. Russell was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to British Business and the British Community in China in Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2015.

Zhou Han.

Partner

Zhou Han is a Partner of Acclime China. Zhou Han has around 30 years of professional services experience, with over 20 years of those based in Asia.In 2001 Zhou Han co-founded LehmanBrown International Accountants, a China-focused accounting, taxation and business advisory firm employing around 200 professionals. In LehmanBrown, Zhou Han was a Senior Partner and operated as its Chief Operating Officer. LehmanBrown merged into Acclime Group in 2021.

Prior to LehmanBrown, Zhou Han had worked at the China Trust and Investment Corporation for Foreign Economic Relations and Trade under the Ministry of Commerce. She also worked with Bank of Scotland as an assistant manager in the project finance team, where she worked on various projects in Asia. Following that, Zhou Han moved back to Asia and was an economic analyst based in Singapore, covering China and Japan.

Zhou Han graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Shanghai International Studies University and a post graduate degree from the University of International Business and Economics in China. She also has a MSc. Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Christophe Marquis.

Director, Shanghai

CHINA

Christophe Marquis is the Director of the Shanghai office. He has over 20 years of experience in advising and assisting foreign SMEs and MNCs with their market entry, compliance requirements and growth strategy in China.

Christophe has an extensive knowledge of investment, compliance issues, individual and corporate taxation challenges, financial modeling, and due diligence support. Before joining Acclime China in 2021, for more than 10 years Christophe was the managing director of a boutique accounting and advisory firm that covered China’s main first tier cities as well as Hong Kong, and had a team of 50 professionals. He started his China career in Beijing as financial controller of RSM, a globally renowned accounting firm.

He has provided China incorporation support and investment evaluations to more than 100 foreign investment projects. He advises on financing and modeling structures for numerous businesses across various industries, such as: F&B, e-commerce, services, consumer goods and retail, entertainment, and health care.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance and Asian Studies from EICD 3A Ecole Internationale de Commerce et de Developpement, located in Lyon and speaks English, French and Mandarin.

Stefan Kracht.

Partner and Group Integration Director

Fiducia merged into Acclime Group in August 2022 and will formally transition to the Acclime brand in mid-2023. Fiducia was founded by Stefan’s parents Cynthia and Juergen in 1982 to carry out critical and necessary commercial operations for clients who source, sell or manufacture in Greater China.

As Fiducia’s owner and Managing Director since 2012, Stefan is responsible for all aspects of Fiducia’s business in regard to hundreds of clients and his team of over 100 specialists in five offices. After joining Fiducia in 2005, Stefan transformed the company culture, processes and systems to deliver multiple integrated services in long-term client relationships. Specifically, Stefan and his senior team refined Fiducia’s client strategy and positioning to focus on European owner-operated firms, ranging from USD50m-1b in revenues; integrated Fiducia’s sales and service delivery to ensure seamless client interaction; introduced technology-based delivery using ERP and other systems to enable scalability and transparency; and formalised Fiducia’s deep expertise with complicated and changing local rules and regulations. Many of these clients now looking to expand within Asia, which is a key reason for Fiducia to join Acclime.

Before joining Fiducia, Stefan ran and sold a company trading in components and materials in Shanghai. Prior to that he worked as a management consultant at Bain & Co. in London. He began his career in 1993 in China-related trade and investment as a management trainee at Otto Group, one of Europe’s leading eCommerce players, in Hamburg, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

Stefan holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from the London School of Economics and a joint MBA from Kellogg (USA) and the University of Science & Technology (HK). He is a German national, fluent in English and German, and conversational in Mandarin and French. Stefan is an elected board member of the German Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and Vice-Chairman of the Management Consultancies Association of Hong Kong.

Yolanda Xie.

Partner, Audit Director

Yolanda Xie is a Partner at Acclime China, leading the Audit and Financial Advisory team. The department under her leadership covers a full range of services, including statutory audit, financial due diligence, tax advisory, internal audit services, and valuation advisory. In this role, she oversees the department’s operations and business development, ensuring delivery of high-quality tailored solutions to corporate, strategic key and multinational clients. She also drives business development, client acquisition, cross-department collaboration, and service optimization to support the firm’s regional growth and market expansion.

Before joining Acclime, she worked at Deloitte for 16 years, where she was dedicated to audit services and accumulated rich experience in leading audit engagements and client relationship management. As a Partner and team leader, she is experienced in overseeing complex cross-border projects, managing strategic client relationships and delivering high-end professional advisory assignments.

Yolanda graduated from the University of International Business and Economics with a master’s degree and holds the Certified Public Accountant (CICPA) qualification in China. She is fluent in English and Mandarin.

Alfred Gan.

Regional Managing Director, Head of North Asia

Alfred Gan is the Regional Managing Director and Head of North Asia at Acclime, where he plays a pivotal role in driving the firm’s strategic execution and business growth across key Asia-Pacific markets. With strong strategic acumen and leadership, he oversees the expansion and integration of Acclime’s operations in North Asia.

Alfred leads a professional team of over 300 people across Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul. Beyond day-to-day operational oversight, he focuses on building a collaborative and efficient regional service network that delivers seamless, world-class support to clients around the globe.

Before joining Acclime, Alfred led the Greater China business of a leading US-based market research company. During his tenure, he scaled the core team from 10 to more than 250 professionals while achieving exponential growth in both revenue and industry reputation.

Alfred holds a Master’s degree in Finance from EDHEC Business School in France. With more than 15 years of experience in the B2B professional services sector across China and Europe, his expertise spans growth strategy and market expansion, M&A and post-investment value creation, and operational excellence.

Stella Zhou.

Regional Director, People & Culture, North Asia

Stella is based in Shanghai and is a Regional Director, People & Culture, North Asia. She provides professional advice and solutions regarding local and foreign employment matters such as recruitment, on/off-boarding, social insurance and housing fund, compensation, and welfare in all of China. Her payroll team has clients from various industries, such as retail, manufacturing, catering, consulting, etc.

Prior to joining Acclime, Stella has been engaged in HR service, especially in salary, compensation, and benefit-related work for 17 years, and in Payroll Team management for 10 years.

Patrick Pan.

Partner

Patrick Pan is a Partner at Acclime’s Beijing office, specialising in accounting, payroll, and tax outsourcing services for multinational companies in China.

Patrick began his career at Horwath in audit practice and later served as a corporate service manager at an accounting, tax, and payroll consulting firm. In 2006, he joined PwC and eventually became a Tax Partner at PwC Shanghai before joining Acclime. Throughout his career, Patrick has gained extensive experience in accounting, auditing, taxation, HR, and payroll management. His expertise includes implementing PRC accounting and financial policies through software platforms, as well as establishing HR and payroll management systems that comply with Chinese labour and employment contract laws for multinational companies. His industry experience spans financial services, banking, manufacturing, food and beverages, TMD, and consulting.

Patrick graduated from Zhong Nan University of Finance and Economics in 2001 with dual bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Business English. He is a member of the PRC Institute of Certified Tax Agents and holds certifications as a Human Resource Management Professional and UiPath Advanced RPA Developer.

Song Lin.

Trade & Technology Director

Song Lin is currently based in Shanghai and holds the position of Director of the Trade & Technology team. This team comprises members from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. Song’s primary responsibility is to assist clients in minimizing their business costs and risks through outsourced operations in the supply chain, sales, and distribution when entering the APAC market.

With more than 25 years of experience in consulting and industry, Song has extensive knowledge in various areas such as BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), merchandising, OEM/ODM management, factory operations, international trade, supply chain, and e-commerce. He leads the team in working closely with clients, acting as their operational team on the ground. This involves managing business flows and documents in import and export, merchandising, warehousing, distribution, and finance. By taking care of these aspects, Song enables clients to focus on their core business while maximizing their investment returns.

Prior to joining Acclime, Song worked for a US company as the chief representative of their Shanghai office. In this role, he was responsible for purchasing motorcycles, tools, and car care products from the East Asia region. Before that, Song worked for Intel as a factory program manager, where he successfully managed Intel’s’ giant ODMs (Original Design Manufacturers). Additionally, Song has also worked for a large domestic trading company, where he held the position of selling lighting products and hardware products worldwide.

Song holds an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering. As a native Mandarin speaker, he is fluent in English as well.

Aaron Hou.

Finance Director

Before joining Acclime, Aaron held senior finance leadership roles in multinational corporations, where he managed end-to-end responsibilities across Accounting, Reporting, and FP&A. With over 20 years of experience in Finance and Accounting, including 15 years in team management, Aaron has served as a key business partner to General Managers and Regional Business Leads, driving strategic financial initiatives and operational excellence.

Aaron’s expertise spans finance operations and shared services, with a strong focus on strengthening internal controls and building robust stakeholder relationships. His work has consistently supported strategic goals and enhanced customer experience through improved financial practices and governance.

He brings extensive experience in business advisory and consultancy, having worked with a diverse portfolio of SMEs across multiple industries. Aaron holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Accounting and is a Fellow Member of both the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and the Association of International Accountants (AIA).