Beijing, China — The Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP) has hired Dr. Pengfei Xie to lead its China program in Beijing. Dr. Xie joins RAP after serving as the China chief representative of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group. A certified urban planner with a focus on sustainable development, Dr. Xie will lead RAP’s efforts to help Chinese policymakers make meaningful power sector reform and meet their climate goals.

Prior to C40, Dr. Xie worked with Chinese cities, ministries, research institutes and international nongovernmental organizations as the director of the China Sustainable Cities Project for the Natural Resources Defense Council. He also played an important role in developing national guidelines and standards on urban sustainability in China as a research scientist with the China Society for Urban Studies at the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MoHURD). Earlier in his career, Dr. Xie gained international experience as a research fellow at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

“I am thrilled for Dr. Xie to lead our China team. Dr. Xie’s track record of building effective programs and delivering valuable technical advice will serve China’s decision-makers as they translate their climate commitments into action,” said Rich Sedano, RAP’s president and CEO.

Dr. Xie said he’s looking forward to supporting RAP’s work. “RAP is an organization with an excellent reputation in China for sound energy policy advice. I am very excited to apply my experience to this important organization and promote the use of clean energy,” said Dr. Xie.

Dr. Xie earned his doctorate from Peking University and a master’s degree from University College London and obtained the research scientist professional title evaluated and awarded by MoHURD.

Max Dupuy, a senior associate and longtime contributor to RAP’s China work, served as the interim director during the pandemic. “I want to thank Max for his creative service to RAP’s China work during this recruitment while maintaining some of his U.S. projects,” said Mr. Sedano. Mr. Dupuy will continue to support RAP’s China and U.S. programs.