“ Business relationships are much more relational , and that relationship has to be built ,” says Kesner . “ For example , one of our co-founders , Steven Cao worked with MIIT in many different projects when he was senior manager in China ’ s State Grid Corporation and he has a great understanding of Chinese business compliance . Having people like him and Yali Liu on the networks side within the business is indispensable .”

Employing great people from diverse backgrounds is a core value for Chayora , and Kesner is deeply involved in the advancement of women in technology .

She is inspired by her work with advisory councils in America , China and Europe and connecting these organisations globally to help young people understand their options within technology and the wider STEM environment . “ Chayora is extremely supportive of that work through a variety of different mechanisms and programmes .”

The Chinese market is one of the most predictable stable markets , but is characterised by a very different set of parameters to a typical free market . The current Five-Year Plan talked about localisation and innovation .

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EXECUTIVE PROFILE :

Company : Chayora Location : USA

Karen Kesner is based out of Palo Alto , USA and leads multiple aspects of Chayora ’ s go-to-market and growth acceleration activities , including strategic partnerships , marketing , branding and communications for China entry and expansion . Kesner has more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry , having held senior positions across sales , alliances and business development at several of world ’ s leading IT businesses , including Tata Communications , CenturyLink and Oracle , among others .

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