Dr. Fan is the Chair Professor at the College of Economics and Management at China Agricultural University in Beijing and previously served over 20 years at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), including a tenure as Director General until December 2019. He has significant experience in developing institutional strategies and fundraising plans.

He holds various advisory roles, including membership in the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Systems for Nutrition and the Advisory Council of the Oxford Martin School. Additionally, he is on the Board of the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture and the Council of Advisers for the World Food Prize.

Dr. Fan is recognized for his ability to connect with influential stakeholders globally, addressing critical issues in agriculture, food, health, climate change, and resource management. He has received multiple international awards and has an extensive publication record.