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Chairman and Co-CEO, SOHO China
Pan Shiyi is a vanguard in China's property development market. Mr. Pan is well known for the creativity and originality of his projects, which blend architecture and art. His projects have quickly become remarkable urban landmarks which lead the trends of architecture in China, all part of Mr. Pan's vision to transform and develop contemporary Chinese architecture.
Born in Gansu, China in 1963, Mr. Pan went to college at the Beijing Petroleum Institute in 1982 and worked in the Ministry of Petroleum after graduating. In 1987 he began working in the property development realm of Shenzhen and Hainan. In 1992, Mr. Pan co-established Beijing Vantone Co., Ltd., and developed several properties in Beijing, including Vantone New World Plaza, Air-China Tower, and Vantone Lishan Plaza (later re-named Central Park).
In 1995, Mr. Pan co-founded SOHO China Ltd. with his wife, Ms. Zhang Xin. Together they have developed a variety of projects ranging from mix-use business venues in the Central Business District of Beijing to river-front luxury villas in Hainan and contemporary private houses designed by avante garde Asian architects. (This was China's first award winning project at the Venice Biennale, 2002.)
Pan has a very unique understanding of the property market. He does not simply pursue the highest sales revenue or the largest development. Instead he emphasizes the long term value of his projects. In 2003, SOHO China paid over 177 million RMB in taxes, which ranked 2nd overall in the nation; and in 2004, SOHO China paid over 300 million RMB in taxes, denoting a 70% increase, making SOHO China one of the most profitable developers in China.