Geely Founder Eric Li is stepping down as chairman of Geely Automobile, with An Conghui succeeding him and Gan Jiayue becoming CEO in a major leadership transition.
After decades at the helm of Geely Automobile, founder Eric Li, also known as Li Shufu, is stepping down as chairman, setting in motion a significant leadership transition at one of China’s largest automotive groups.
An Conghui, currently an executive director of Geely Automobile and CEO of parent Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, will take over as chairman of the listed automaker. Gan Jiayue will become chief executive, while outgoing CEO Gui Shengyue moves into the vice-chairman role.
The changes represent an important evolution in Geely’s leadership structure, but Li is not leaving the wider business he founded. He will remain Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, allowing him to focus on the broader group and its long-term direction.
Building the Next Generation of Geely Leadership
Li’s decision comes as Geely continues to evolve its organisational structure under its “One Geely” strategy, which is bringing businesses and resources closer together. Earlier this year, Li said the group would continue consolidating assets and streamlining its governance structure around its core listed platform.
The transition also elevates executives with substantial experience inside the group. An Conghui joined Geely in 1996 and currently leads Geely Holding, while Gan Jiayue has held senior positions across the automaker and joined Geely Automobile’s board in 2021.
Geely has grown considerably from the business Li founded into an international automotive group with interests spanning Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Zeekr, Lynk & Co and other brands.
His move away from the listed company’s chairmanship therefore represents less an exit from Geely than a redistribution of leadership responsibilities.
As An Conghui and Gan Jiayue take charge of Geely Automobile, Li will remain above the wider group; marking a carefully structured transition from founder-led management towards its next generation of executive leadership.
Source(s): Geely Automobile Holdings; Reuters.
