Lee Howell (李 豪威尔)
About Lee Howell (李 豪威尔)
Lee Howell is the Managing Director and a member of the Managing Board at the World Economic Forum, where he has worked since 2009. He holds multiple degrees, including a PhD in International Law, and has extensive experience in policy advising and event management.
Work at World Economic Forum
Lee Howell has been serving as the Managing Director and a member of the Managing Board at the World Economic Forum since 2009. In this role, he is responsible for editorial leadership and operational management of the Forum's flagship events, including the Annual Meeting in Davos and the Sustainable Development Impact Summit in New York. Prior to his current position, he held various roles within the organization, including Senior Director and Head of Asia from 2004 to 2009, and Director of the Annual Meeting Programme from 2000 to 2002.
Education and Expertise
Lee Howell holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Languages & Literature and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Maryland. He also earned a Juris Doctor from Delaware Law School and a Master of Laws in International Law from American University Washington College of Law. Additionally, he completed a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of St.Gallen, focusing on 'Uncontrollable Risks and the Role of the Board of Directors.'
Background
Before joining the World Economic Forum, Lee Howell gained experience in various roles. He worked as a Senior Policy Advisor at USAID from 2002 to 2004 and served as a Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies from 1993 to 1996. He also held positions at the Japan Society as Deputy Director and as a Consultant for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in 2000. His early career included a role as Assistant Manager and Concierge at The Jefferson Hotel in Washington D.C.
Achievements
Lee Howell has contributed significantly to the World Economic Forum, notably serving as the editor-in-chief of the Global Risks Report for the 2012 and 2013 editions. His leadership in organizing major events has positioned him as a key figure in discussions surrounding global economic and social issues. His academic research on risks and governance further underscores his expertise in these areas.