We were all shocked to learn Ian Kay passed away on 20 November.
Ian had been a real friend since the year 2000, over those years we have worked together closely while having lots of fun, thanks to his energy, modesty, humor and spirit that I admired so much. We often felt “on the same wavelength”, surviving on a bit of sarcasm but still keeping an eye on our goals.
After being with a British insurance company in Beijing (when I first met him), Ian became one of the pillars to boost the presence of the European Chamber. He served the Chamber as Executive General Manager from 2002 to 2004, and continued after his retirement as an adviser to the Chamber. Ian returned in the role of Secretary General from January to August in 2007 to support the Chamber through a period of change, after Giorgio left.
We often met at functions, parties, seminars and meetings. Mostly we tried not to take life too seriously and used to joke a lot. But at the same time we would try our best to do what we were supposed to do. Ian was excellent at his job, I never met anybody with whom he had a dispute. He seemed to get along with everybody but also managed the Chamber in a smooth way.
It’s hard to lose a good friend in Beijing, one staying here for long often misses real friendship as many people come and go and relationships are mostly based on “business”.
Some personal pictures I found in my collection.

Our deepest sympathy to his wife Sue.