Intertek, a UK-based inspection, product testing and certification body, has appointed a new member of its Board of Directors for the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organisation.

Intertek employs over 38,000 people in more than 100 countries. The company worked notably with cosmetics manufacturers in 2013 when it supported them to adjust  production processes in line with new EU regulations on Good Manufacturing Practices.

New board member Xiao Chen has been working for Intertek for over 15 years as Vice President of Product Intelligence. Having been elected to the board, Chen will serve a three year term, advising on health and safety issues related to products for consumers across the globe.

In her current VP role, Chen advises manufacturers, retailers, governmental agencies and standard development organizations on hazard analysis, risk assessment, and risk communication.  Her specialty resides in both food and non-food consumer products, and her primary area of focus has been product design at pre-market stage.

“Xiao has an extensive background of helping our clients mitigate risks and bring safer products to market,” said Brian Gray, Senior Vice President of Product Intelligence and Retail Services at Intertek. “We are proud to congratulate her as she joins ICPHSO’s board to bring her knowledge and expertise to educate and advise the industry on safer, healthier products.”

As a member of the ICPHSO board, Chen joins a global non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to exchanging ideas and information on health and safety issues related to consumer products manufactured and marketed around the world. ICPHSO members represent national and international government agencies, manufacturers, importers, retailers, trade associations, certification/testing laboratories, law firms, academia, standards writing organizations, media, and consumer advocacy groups who work together to promote health and safety concerns affecting consumers.