Harrison White
The American Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia (AmCham) has concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) as well as announcing a new leadership committee for the 2024/2025 term. The leadership committee has subsequently elected:
- Casey Barnett, CFA, FCCA, President of CamEd Business School, as President
- Anthony Galliano, Group CEO of Cambodian Investment Management, assuming the role of Vice President
- Jay Cohen, Partner & Director at Tilleke & Gibbins, has been appointed Secretary
- Torsten Kleine Buening, Chief Risk Officer at ABA Bank, takes on the Treasurer position
This leadership change comes at a crucial time for AmCham, which has reported a near record in membership with over 240 organizations across 14 sectors, backed by 7 industry committees. This broad representation emphasizes AmCham’s vital role within Cambodia’s business ecosystem.
Financially, the chamber is stronger than ever, with revenues reaching $424,000 in 2023, up from $381,000 in 2022, and closing the year with an operating surplus of $21,000 and a cash reserve of $104,000. These figures reflect the chamber’s successful engagement with its members and its prowess in hosting events.
AmCham Success Attributed To An Enhanced Membership Value
Speaking to Cambodia Investment Review – outgoing President Devin Barta reflected on the chamber’s achievements under his guidance, emphasizing the strategic enhancement of membership value. “Increasing the value of membership through planning thoughtful and high-quality events and enhancing member benefits was central to driving AmCham’s membership and revenue upwards,” Barta told Cambodia Investment Review. He credited this approach with bolstering the tangible value offered to businesses, which was instrumental in the chamber’s growth.
Read More: AmCham Cambodia sets focus on member value and operational improvements for 2023
Barta also highlighted the chamber’s strategic evolution, closely aligning with its core mission while adapting to the dynamic business landscape. “The work of each board and leadership team is to ensure alignment with our core mission,” Barta stated, stressing the significance of integrity, intelligence, and energy in leadership. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen connections with the U.S. Embassy and encourage U.S. business interest in Cambodia, laying a foundation for future growth.
Looking forward, Barta expressed confidence in AmCham’s continuing advocacy for good business practices and transparent governance to attract more U.S. investment. “I am confident the chamber will continue to be a force for good,” he remarked, anticipating AmCham’s role in enhancing trade and investment relations between the USA and Cambodia.
The 2024 board comprises the following members:
- Anthony Galliano, Group CEO, Cambodian Investment Management (re-elected, non-consecutive term)
- Bora Kem, Partner, Mekong Strategic Partners (newly elected)
- Casey Barnett, CFA, FCCA, President, CamEd Business School (re-elected)
- Christopher McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer, MangoTango Asia
- Davy Kong, Co-Head of Real Estate & Construction Practice Group, DFDL Cambodia
- Ivana Tranchini, Country Manager Cambodia, Visa
- Jay Cohen, Partner & Director, Tilleke & Gibbins
- Kim Tol Tan, Founder & CEO, Grow4Growth Consultant
- Tom O’Sullivan, CEO & Director, Realestate.com.kh
- Torsten Kleine Buening, Chief Risk Officer, ABA Bank (newly elected)
- Vanseka Sok, Managing Partner, SETHALAY Law Office (newly elected)
Founded in 1996, AmCham operates as an independent, non-profit membership organization that includes both American and Cambodian companies engaged in American commerce. The election of the new committee members and the record membership underscore AmCham’s significant influence and its commitment to enhancing Cambodia’s business environment.
