徐茜坦言,华大作为生命科学领域的龙头企业,她有幸站在巨人肩膀上,工作被更多人看见,收获了法律界和财经界的认可,荣获ALB China 十五佳总法律顾问、《新财富》“金牌董秘”等多项荣誉。她也不断努力将自己的知识与能量贡献到更广阔的领域,同时担任着CIETAC仲裁员、SCIA仲裁员、深圳上市公司协会兼职副秘书长、深圳市公司治理研究会轮值会长等职务。
A transformation journey: tracing the growth path in legal careers
— an interview with Susan Xu, winner of ALB’s 2024 In-House Lawyer of the Year: South China & Central China
Susan Xu, deputy general manager, general counsel, and board secretary of BGI Genomics, was recently awarded the prestigious 2024 ALB In-House Lawyer of the Year: South China & Central China. Her success is rooted in three guiding principles: clear goals, consistent dedication, and a long-term perspective. “There are no shortcuts in a career; only solid groundwork matters,” she notes.
Foundations in Litigation and Non-Litigation
Xu began her legal career as a litigation lawyer after graduating from China University of Political Science and Law. This experience sharpened her skills in legal procedures, evidence rules, and courtroom debates while helping her master risk prevention.
“Litigation resolves disputes; non-litigation prevents risks. Excelling in both enhances comprehensive legal thinking,” she explains.
Her expertise expanded through studies in Hong Kong SAR, the EU, and the UK, where she was selected for the UK Bar’s “China Lawyer Training Program.” These experiences strengthened her understanding of corporate governance and cross-border M&As, establishing a solid foundation for managing international legal matters. Over her career, Xu has handled over 200 cases and projects, providing comprehensive legal solutions to domestic and international clients.
Transition to In-House Counsel at BGI
In 2013, Xu joined BGI as Legal Director to oversee global legal affairs, intellectual property, and IPO processes. BGI, a global genomics leader, has driven breakthroughs in projects like the Human Genome Project and genetic testing. Xu’s goal was clear: to become an industry legal expert in life sciences.
Xu’s leadership saw the establishment of a streamlined contract management system, bolstering innovation and industry standards. She managed an extensive intellectual property portfolio, securing multiple patents and trademarks while spearheading overseas patent enforcement. Her contributions in major projects, including acquisitions, financing, and listings, propelled BGI’s global healthcare expansion.
Notably, Xu led BGI to achieve ISO 37301 compliance certification—a first in China’s gene sequencing industry—signifying adherence to international regulatory standards. “This milestone reflects our commitment to regulatory excellence,” Xu highlights.
From Legal Expert to Executive Leadership
Recognized for her exceptional contributions, Xu became board secretary in 2015 and deputy general manager in 2021. She integrated legal, financial, and managerial expertise to drive company growth. “The board secretary role combines law and finance, while the deputy general manager role merges law with management to ensure strategic execution,” she notes.
Xu swiftly gained certifications in securities, fund management, and financial analysis, complementing her legal background. Her efforts in capital operations, investor communication, and compliance reinforced BGI’s position in the global market.
Beyond her corporate role, Xu serves as an arbitrator for CIETAC and SCIA and holds leadership positions in legal and corporate governance organizations. Her achievements include ALB China’s Top 15 General Counsel and New Fortune’s “Gold Medal Board Secretary” awards.
“Choose an industry, delve deeply, and strive for a problem-solving mindset,” Xu advises. “Time rewards those who persevere with dedication and craftsmanship.”