AIA Chief Executive Honoured for Contributions to UK–China Relations
The Association of International Accountants (AIA) has announced that its Chief Executive, Philip Turnbull, has received a prestigious honour recognising his outstanding contributions to UK–China relations.
Mr Turnbull was recognised at the 2026 Hurun UK–China Awards, an event that celebrates excellence in leadership and collaboration between the two nations. The award reflects not only his personal leadership, but also the strength and longevity of AIA’s partnerships across China and the UK, developed to support members and students around the world.
Under Mr Turnbull’s stewardship, AIA has continued to deepen its engagement in China, where it has offered its professional accountancy qualification for more than three decades. Over this period, the organisation has played a meaningful role in building enduring professional and educational links, supporting the development of globally minded finance professionals equipped to work across borders.
The Hurun UK–China Awards are organised by the team behind Hurun Report, the world-renowned ranking of global wealth and entrepreneurship produced by the Hurun Research Institute. Founded by Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun is widely recognised for highlighting leading entrepreneurs and high-growth industries in China, India and internationally.
Commenting on the recognition, AIA expressed its pride in Mr Turnbull’s achievement and its gratitude to Mr Hoogewerf and the Hurun team for hosting an inspiring evening that showcased excellence and strengthened international ties.
The award reaffirms AIA’s long-standing commitment to fostering collaboration between China and the UK. By delivering its qualification in China for more than 30 years, AIA has contributed to the growth of professional standards, supported cross-cultural understanding, and helped create a new generation of finance professionals with a truly global outlook.
As international cooperation becomes ever more important, the recognition of Mr Turnbull’s work highlights the vital role professional bodies such as AIA continue to play in building bridges between economies, education systems and cultures.