1996–2026. Career International turns 30.

Thirty years. Countless stories.

From connecting talent with opportunity to helping businesses and people grow, Career International has evolved alongside a changing economy, industries and workforce.

On September 23, colleagues and partners from around the world came together, both online and in person, to celebrate this milestone. Different cities, different faces, one shared moment.

30 Years, Made Possible by People

A robot performance opened the celebration with a touch of technology and energy.

Wallace Gao, Chairman and Founder of Career International, reflected on the company’s 30 years through three ideas: crossing boundaries, breaking through, and going beyond.

Over the past three decades, Career International has grown alongside China’s transformation—from mechanization and electrification to the information age—always at the intersection of industry and talent.

What began in 1996 as an executive search firm has expanded into a broader talent solutions business spanning multiple services, consulting, technology and ecosystem capabilities. The company has also grown from Beijing to cities across China, and from China to markets around the world.

Looking ahead, Wallace sees the next era of technology as an opportunity not simply to keep pace, but to build distinctive capabilities and lead from the front with colleagues and partners.

Adam Li, Co-Founder of Career International, shared three client stories that capture another defining part of the company’s 30-year history: growing with clients.

Client-first has remained a core value since 1996. Many of Career International’s client relationships have lasted more than 20 years, supporting businesses as they expanded from single markets to operations across China and around the world.

That trust has worked both ways. Clients’ high standards have continually pushed Career International to deepen its expertise and broaden its capabilities. Their success, Adam noted, remains the company’s greatest recognition.

Shelley Zeng, Rotating CEO of Career International, reflected on her 25 years with the company and what 30 years means for a business.

For her, longevity is not simply about navigating change. It is about turning experience into capability and having the courage to seize new opportunities.

From a professional executive search firm to a China-born, global, technology-driven HR services company, Career International has continued to expand its boundaries as markets and industries evolve.

“We are Career International’s greatest product. And the best years are the years we grow together.”

Ultimately, she said, Career International’s 30-year story is a story of people. The growth, commitment and contribution of generations of colleagues have shaped the company today, and will continue to shape what comes next.

As the celebrations continued, anniversary cakes were unveiled at venues around the world. Colleagues raised a glass to 30 years of Career International, while anniversary gift boxes brought a small piece of the celebration to colleagues across the organization.

Growing With Cities, Moving With the Times

In Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district, Career International’s 30th anniversary became part of the cityscape.

Screens across Huaneng Union Tower, Lujiazui Central Green Space, the Oriental Pearl Tower, Super Brand Mall, Lujiazui Metro Station and surrounding streets lit up with Career International’s anniversary visuals.

For 30 years, our growth has been closely connected with talent choices, organizational change and industrial innovation. As cities evolve, so do the people and organizations within them, and so do we.

Turning 30 Into a Force for Good

A milestone is also a chance to give back.

On September 23, Career International launched its 30th Anniversary Global Charity Relay with Teach For China, inviting colleagues worldwide to join Tencent Charity’s “Walk Together” initiative.

Through individual steps and team participation, colleagues can support young people working in rural communities, help children access opportunities to grow, and support young educators as they pursue broader career and life possibilities.

From September 23 to October 31, colleagues across the world can take part in the relay—different places, one shared purpose.

From Our Roots, Toward What’s Next

The relay began at Career International’s Beijing headquarter.

Our executives and Party member representatives visited historic sites in Beijing’s Shatan area, including the May Fourth Movement Relief Square and the former site of Imperial University of Peking, before attending a special lecture at Sihe Academy.

It was a moment to reflect on where we came from while taking meaningful steps toward the future, and the first step in a global relay that will continue across Career International.

Thirty years, made stronger by the people who made it possible.

The next chapter starts here.

Lead Beyond · Pioneer Together