Geely founder Eric Li to step down as chair of flagship auto unit

Shanghai – Eric Li, founder of Chinese auto conglomerate Geely Holding, will hand over the chairmanship of his flagship unit, Geely Auto, to executive director An Conghui in a significant management reorganization. The move is part of long-term succession planning, according to a Hong Kong-listed company filing. Li, who established Geely four decades ago, will continue serving as chair of Geely Holding Group.

The changes, effective Tuesday, see executive director Gan Jiayue replacing Gui Shengyue as CEO at Geely Auto, with Gui becoming vice chair. The board believes Gan's extensive management experience and industry expertise will effectively lead the Group's operations and support its long-term strategic goals. This reshuffle occurs as Geely Holding, a major rival of Chinese EV leader BYD and parent of Volvo Cars, Polestar, Geely Auto, Zeekr, and Lynk & Co, faces intense competition in the world's largest auto market while expanding globally.

An Conghui announced Geely Auto's long-term strategy of generating two-thirds of its sales from overseas markets.