Mark Clayton is a multi-award-winning finance professional and visionary leader with over 20 years of experience in accounting, management, and business development. As Group CFO of C2W Group, a British manufacturing SME based in South China, Mark oversees the financial and operational growth of the company’s subsidiaries, including China 2 West, a supply chain management firm established in 2005, and Shield Works, an OEM contract manufacturer launched in 2019.
Mark’s strategic leadership has been instrumental in transforming C2W Group into a thriving business ecosystem, marked by innovative R&D, strong ESG initiatives, and sustainable growth. His commitment to operational excellence is reflected in his proactive investment strategies, and ability to foster collaboration and innovation.
His awards in finance include the inaugural AAT Excellence Award (UK) in February 2023, placing 2nd in AICPA & CIMA Finance and Business Leader of the Year Award (UK) in October 2024, and receiving the CGMA Finance Leader of the Year Award (CN) in November 2024.
In addition to his role at C2W, Mark serves as Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce South China, where he leads efforts to promote international collaboration and support British SMEs in the region. He also chairs the CTC Charity, which he founded in 2014 to drive impactful social and community projects across South China, which has transparently raised USD 450000 to date. In 2025, Mark was appointed to the Advisory Board of the UK National Committee on China (UKNCC), reflecting his deep engagement in shaping the future of UK-China relations.
Mark is an advocate for diversity and fair business practices. Under his leadership, C2W was the first company in China to sign the Global Fair Pay Charter, which he signed as its Custodian for British Business in China His work in philanthropy and ESG initiatives has earned him international recognition, including the prestigious Sino-Phil International Peace Award (2019), the UN China Social Impact Award (2019), and a knighthood in the Philippines (2025) at the second level Knight Officer of the Knights of Rizal.
Mark holds an MSc in Global Management and is a Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA), a Fellow Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (FMAAT), and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). He recently completed the Financial Times Non-Executive Director Diploma, reflecting his commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in corporate governance.
Proficient in Mandarin, Mark’s cultural adaptability and deep understanding of the Chinese business landscape have positioned him as a trusted partner to clients, government and stakeholders in both the UK and China.
Beyond titles, Mark is driven by a lifelong passion to empower entrepreneurs, uplift young leaders, and advocate for British businesses at home and abroad. He is a vocal supporter of the City of London as the beating heart of the UK economy, and remains committed to building bridges between Britain and Asia through trade, innovation, and purposeful leadership.
A trailblazer in both the business and non-profit sectors, Mark continues to leverage his expertise to foster innovation, strengthen international ties, and deliver lasting social impact.