Mark
Tanner

Mark Tanner is an adventurer, strategist, and global thinker who sees the world not just as a map, but as a series of bold opportunities. His life has been shaped by living and working across five continents—New Zealand, North America, Europe, Africa and Asia—bringing a rare and deeply informed perspective to everything he does.

One of his most extraordinary achievements is leading the first recorded paddle down the full length of the Blue Nile to the Mediterranean Sea, a journey fraught with danger: crocodiles, hippos, bandits, terrorists, tropical disease, and searing heat. This spirit of adventure has also taken him cycling solo across Canada during winter and searching for ancient Viking treasure in Iceland.

Mark is the founder of China Skinny, a Shanghai-based strategic marketing agency that has grown under his leadership to become one of the most recognised in China. From Nike and IKEA to Tourism Australia and Zespri, he has helped global giants and emerging brands alike thrive in one of the world’s most complex and competitive markets—all while running the business largely from his home in New Zealand.

Regularly quoted by international media including Bloomberg, CNN, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, Mark is widely respected for his sharp insights and cultural fluency. He also lends his expertise to governance, serving as the first independent director on the board of Primary Collaboration New Zealand.