Source: Southern Metropolis Daily 2012-11-16 Page GA22
Written by: Zhong Liting
Translated by: Zheng Sida

Southern Metropolis Daily   “Good evening everyone!” Chris greeted students in Chinese, livening up the atmosphere immediately. This was a scene where Chris Hassall, former Global External Relations Officer of P&G, was delivering a speech to the students of SYSU. This June, he chose to teach in SYSU after retirement.

Hoping to Do Something Different after Retirement

From senior executive of a Global 500 to university professor, Chris quickly changed his role. Having chosen to teach in SYSU, he said he "hoped to do something different after retirement”.

"I decided to come to Guangzhou to learn Chinese, and teach Marketing Management.” Chris said in Chinese. He thinks learning the local language can lead to a better understanding of the local culture. This British gentleman before us, whose height is above 1.9 meters, wears black frame glasses and looks in high spirits. When the word “retirement” was mentioned, the 58-year-old man didn’t think he was old at all. Instead, he considered himself energetic, emphasizing “I am very young.”

In 2005, Chris came to China to serve as General Manager of Greater China External Relations, P&G. In 2007, he was promoted to Vice President of External Relations for P&G Greater China and Asia. In 2009, he left China for the headquarters and served as P&G’s Global External Relations Officer until his retirement this June. “The 4 years I spent in China is a bright spot of my whole career at P&G, and has left me a lot of wonderful memories.” Due to his work, Chris has been to Ningxia, Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai and many other places. He likes Chinese novels and Jay Chou.

Arranging Travel According to Schedule outside Class

This September, Chris was invited to teach for a year as an honorary professor of Marketing at the School of Business, SYSU. He bought a Five Rams bicycle at the South Gate of SYSU, and it only took him 5 minutes to go to work every day. Before class, Chris made adequate preparations. He discussed with the dean and professors of the School in advance, and decided on a topic combining with his own experience.

"I love teaching.” Chris is pleased to share his valuable experience with the young.

Chris likes traveling when he has no class. Though he just came to Guangzhou two months ago, he has been to Ningxia, Yellow Mountain and other places. Last weekend he went hiking in Hengshan, Hunan Province.

"After work, I travel to two or three places every month,” said Chris with a smile. He will carry out his schedule every month, and without it his travel plan for the year in China can hardly come true.