Tim Chen (File Photo)

    BEIJING, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- NBA Commissioner David Stern named Tim Chen, CEO of Microsoft Greater China, as CEO of NBA China, effective on Oct. 15, at New York, the NBA China released it here on Wednesday.

    Chen, who was born in Taiwan in February in 1953, will be the first CEO of NBA China, a new enterprise being created to encapsulate all of the league's businesses in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.

    "After an extensive search that produced many qualified candidates, Tim Chen was the clear choice based on his tremendous experience and accomplishments. Tim will assume leadership of a very talented team of NBA employees based in China including Mark Fisher, who will be promoted to Senior Vice President," said HeidiUeberroth, NBA President of Global Marketing Partnerships and International Business Operations.

    "Tim Chen is a proven business leader who has guided the dramatic growth of two Fortune 100 businesses in China," Stern was quoted as saying in the press release.

    Chen was Chairman and President of Motorola in China from 2001 to 2003 and joined the Microsoft in 2003. He received an MBA from the University of Chicago and two master degrees in computer science and mathematics in the University of Ohio.

    "The NBA is a truly exceptional brand with a huge fan base that reaches across all parts of China," said Chen. "I'm thrilled by the scope of this opportunity and the ability to work with such a talented team, as we build on the enormous business potential that spans media, merchandising, marketing, events and new initiatives."