China’s increasing demand for ‘fake’ western executives

The “Made in China” tag on designer handbags, DVDs or software does not inspire confidence, as they are often attached to counterfeit merchandise. But what’s perhaps less well known is a growing custom for Chinese companies to hire fake executives, frequently western white men. With help from our partner, the BBC, we learn how Americans and other “western” looking men are being hired to top positions in Chinese corporations. These westerners have little to no business experience to speak of; their only job requirement is to convince the Chinese clients of these companies that they are a serious player in the globalized world.