Hong Kong consumer watchdog chief expected to leave after nearly 13 years: source

Gilly Wong Fung-han, chief executive of Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog, is expected to leave her role later this month after nearly 13 years on the job, the Post has learned.

A source familiar with the matter revealed on Saturday that an official announcement would be made as soon as May 6.

The Consumer Council had posted a job ad late last year seeking a chief executive, whose responsibilities include overseeing “strategic direction and operational management” of the body and ensuring the “independence, transparency, and effectiveness in advocating for consumer rights and interests in a dynamic and evolving marketplace”.

The job post also said candidates must have the “ability to navigate complex political, social and economic environments”.

Asked about the ad and her plans during one of the watchdog’s monthly press conferences in January, Wong said: “Do you really think I will leave?”

She explained that the public recruitment was related to an upward adjustment of the salary grade for the role, but added she was not in a position to comment further due to potential conflict of interest and out of respect for the selection process.

“If there are any further developments, I will let everyone know then,” she said at the time.