Born on 7 March 1950 in Jiangsu (China), Houlin ZHAO graduated from Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications (NUPT) in 1975. Between 1979 and 1980, he studied as a visiting scholar in Switzerland. He joined the University of Essex (United Kingdom) in 1984, where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Telematics in 1985.

From 1975 to 1986, he worked as an engineer in the Designing Institute of the Chinese Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, responsible for projects in the areas of telex, data communication, non-voice transmission, telephone switching and mobile networks. He took an active part in his country’s experts meetings on national telecommunication standards. He received a second prize in 1985 for his science and technology achievements in the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. In addition, his work in the Departments of Planning, Capital Construction and Network Maintenance in the Ministry earned him an engineering project prize for his outstanding performance and contributions in the planning, designing and construction of a number of major national network projects. Between 1982 and 1983, he participated in CCITT Study Group meetings.

Mr. Zhao joined the CCITT Secretariat (now TSB) in 1986.

Mr. Zhao was elected Director of TSB at the 1998 Plenipotentiary Conference in Minneapolis (USA), and took office on 1 February 1999. Mr. Zhao was re-elected for a second term (2003-2006) as Director of TSB at the 2002 Plenipotentiary Conference in Marrakesh (Morocco).