Steve Gough, “Gao Pang Zi”
Born into an Italian and Irish family, Steve loves to eat, drink and talk about it. Upon graduation from James Madison University, he went directly to China to attend Beijing University. Steve spent two years studying Chinese in Beijing and then fifteen years promoting trade between the US and China. During this time, Steve traveled to almost every major city in China and came to love Chinese food and culture. He then returned to Seattle and worked as an Artisan baker and further honed his cooking skills. Currently, Steve splits his time between Seattle, Washington and China and is completely comfortable in both settings.
Steve Webb, Director
Steve Webb is an award winning television and film director with a track record of making innovative television, films and commercials for a host of international broadcasters including CBS, NBC, MTV and the BBC. On numerous occasions he has been brought in to create new formats and revamp old ones. When the Miss World Show needed a new look, Steve was brought in to direct as he was in 2003 when Limited Brands wanted to give the Victoria's Secret Fashion show a new look. Steve spearheaded the revamp for the CBS show which he subsequently produced and directed in 2005.
Nick Aynsley, Director of Marketing and Creative Development
Nick started his China adventure back in the 80's at the Beijing Language Institute and at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Nanjing. Since graduation, he worked for a large multinational company in Hong Kong, specializing in brand management and marketing within the Asia-Pacific region, with an emphasis on licensing. Most recently, he founded Lineout Trading Ltd. in the UK, which is now a leading supplier of photo gifts and stationery items to mass retailers worldwide.
David Meranze, Chief Operating Officer
Upon graduating from Yale University with a BA in East Asian Studies in 1989, David Meranze spent the next two years studying in Beijing. Trained as an investment banker, David has spent the better part of the last 18 years in Asia working with venture capital and private equity firms, as well as start-ups. David currently resides in Chicago, Illinois and travels extensively throughout Asia.
John Gough, Chief Legal Officer
John Gough has over 40 years of experience in the private practice of law, most as a Partner and Of Counsel at several of Philadelphia's largest and most prominent law firms. He established his own firm in 2005. John was chosen as a "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" in the Business/Corporate category, in statewide balloting by over 36,000 Pennsylvania attorneys and a Blue Ribbon Panel. "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" status is awarded to the top 5% of attorneys in each category. John was also selected for Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys who evaluate nominees for "Pennsylvania Super Lawyer" status. Attorneys selected for the Blue Ribbon Panel are those receiving the highest votes statewide in their category.