YUE-SAI KAN / 靳羽西
Emmy-Winning Television Host and Producer / Successful Entrepreneur
Fashion Icon / Bestselling Author / Humanitarian
Yue-Sai Kan is an Emmy-winning television host and producer, successful entrepreneur, fashion icon, bestselling author and humanitarian. People magazine called her "the most famous woman in China” and Time magazine proclaimed her "the Queen of the Middle Kingdom."
In 1972, Yue-Sai created the weekly television series "Looking East", the first of its kind to introduce Asian cultures and customs to a growing and receptive American audience. The series garnered critical acclaim and won dozens of awards. In 1984, PBS invited Yue-Sai to host the first live broadcast of a television program from China on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China.
Two years later the television series "One World" produced and hosted by Yue-Sai aired on China’s national television network CCTV, with a weekly viewership of 300 million. It was the first time a non-Chinese citizen hosted a TV series in China. At that time with her broadcast in both China and the United States, she was the most watched woman in the world. Yue-Sai’s many other TV credits include the ABC documentary "China Walls and Bridges", which earned her a coveted Emmy Award, "Journey through a Changing China", which was syndicated across the country, and more recent shows including "Yue-Sai's World" and "Yue-Sai's World Expo".
In 1992, Yue-Sai created the Yue-Sai Cosmetics brand which grew into China’s leading Cosmetics Company, selling products in more than 800 outlets through 23 regional companies in China's major markets. More than 90% of the Chinese population today recognizes the brand, which was purchased by L'Oreal in 2004. Additionally, she has written 9 best-selling books, and in 2000, became the first and only living American featured on a Chinese government-issued postage stamp.
Throughout her life, Yue-Sai has been deeply involved in charity work. She served on the boards of a number of prominent charitable organizations in China and the United States, including the Shanghai Soong Qing Ling Foundation, Citymeals on Wheels, the Ellis Island Honors Society and Prince Albert of Monaco's Philanthropy Round Table just to name a few. Since 2011, Yue-Sai has been helming the Miss Universe China Pageant. She uses the final pageant as Shanghai's most glamorous charity ball. Attended by hundreds of who's who of China, the charity has raised millions to support orphanages, cleft lip and palate correction surgeries and scholarships for students in China's best music, TV and film schools. In 2018, Yue-Sai was elected cochairman of China Institute. She is dedicated to spearheading the 90-odd-year old organization’s efforts to move from Upper Eastside to Downtown Manhattan and continue its mission of advancing a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, art, and business.
Andrew Sommers - Director/Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Sommers joined the law firm of Ehrenkranz & Ehrenkranz LLP in 1997 and has been a partner of the firm since 2001. Prior to joining Ehrenkranz & Ehrenkranz LLP, Mr. Sommers was an associate with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (New York, NY). He received a J.D. from the Columbia University School of Law in 1994 and graduated with Honors from the University of Michigan in 1991. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1995. Mr. Sommers is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Child Care Association where he serves on the Executive Committee and co-chairs the Investment Committee. Mr. Sommers is also a Member of the Board of the New 42nd Street and serves on the Associates Committee of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New York.
Min Fan - Director
Ms. Fan is a seasoned media professional with over 15 years of experience in radio, television and film. Ms. Fan holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from the University of International Relations in China and a Master's Degree in Communications from Syracuse University's Newhouse School. Before moving to the United States, Ms. Fan was a news anchor and reporter at the English Service of China Radio International. She was the driving force behind a number of pioneering programs, including the first English morning magazine show "Realtime Beijing". Currently Director of Yue-Sai Kan’s New York Office, Ms. Fan divides her time between the China Fashion Gala, the Pandas Are Coming to NYC and many other high-profile events Madam Kan is involved with. Ms. Fan is an avid tennis player and loves world cuisine.
David M. Hryck - Director
Mr. Hryck is a tax and business lawyer and a partner at DLA Piper LLP (US) with over 16 years of experience. Mr. Hryck advises clients on the tax and business aspects of structuring their investments for maximum profitability and is an expert on cross-border investments. He represents celebrities, global companies, individuals, and international families. Mr. Hryck is a trustee of many of his clients' trusts and is a board member of several global charities. Mr. Hryck currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Amy Winehouse Foundation. Mr. Hryck is also a board member of the Happy Hearts Fund, founded by supermodel Petra Nemcova, and guides their international work. He is a World Fellow of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for Excellence Fund, founded by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and travels regularly to Royal occasions around the world, advising international interaction in Third World Countries. Mr. Hryck also serves as a US member of the Duke's Business Advisory Group headed by HRH Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. He is also a board member of the Lifeline Humanitarian Foundation, founded by TRH Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine of Yugoslavia. Mr. Hryck speaks English, Italian, Spanish, French and has a working knowledge of Mandarin.