Zhang said the decision to resign was part of his plan.
It took Zhang several years to solidify his intentions to focus exclusively on the cloud now. In a 2018 interview with CNBC, Zhang emphasized his bullish stance on the technology, saying that cloud computing would be the company’s “core business” in the future.
my fellow aliens,
Ever since I became CEO of Alibaba Group in May 2015, I have gotten into the habit of sending a few letters to everyone every year. As many people expect when they receive a letter like this, it often signals a significant organizational change. Today is no exception. However, the news I share this time includes some personal and significant changes.
I would like to report that the organizational transformation to the “1+6+N” model has progressed as planned since the announcement. During our most recent earnings release, we introduced boards of directors for each of our six major business groups, and all of these bodies are now fully operational. The company also announced plans for a series of significant transactions, including the full spin-off and listing of Cloud Intelligence Group as an independent company, his IPO of Cainiao Smart Logistics and Freshippo, and external funding to AIDC. Alibaba will have a whole new outlook on the future.
As you are all well aware, the development of fundamental technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and AI will lead to major changes in society and is of great strategic importance. The Cloud Intelligence Group is moving full steam ahead with its separation plans and is at a critical stage in the process. So now is the perfect time for me to devote all my attention and time to this business. From a corporate governance perspective, as Cloud Intelligence Group embarks on its path to becoming an independent public company, it also requires a clear separation between the board of directors and management. It would be inappropriate for me to continue to serve as Chairman and CEO of both companies at the same time during the separation process. Accordingly, the Alibaba Board of Directors has discussed and approved my plan to dedicate myself to my role as Chairman and CEO of Cloud He Intelligence Group, effective September 10, 2023, from my role as Chairman and CEO of Alibaba Group. . The Board has appointed Joseph C. Tsai as my successor as Chairman and Eddie Yongming Wu as my successor as Chief Executive Officer. As co-founders and partners of the company, Joe and Eddie have made significant contributions to the development of the company and have a wealth of valuable experience. I am confident that their leadership will take Alibaba to new heights.
This change represents a new phase and a new journey, not only for the company, but for me personally. Time flies, and this year marks my 16th year at the Alibaba Group. My appointment as CEO and chairman of Alibaba Group exceeded my expectations. It is only because of your trust, support, encouragement and perseverance that I have been able to do my best in this role. For this I am forever deeply grateful. Thanks to the historical opportunities created through social progress and market development over the past 16 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing Alibaba’s rapid growth, impacting people’s daily lives from its inception to maturity. I was able to participate with you in so many achievements. Promoted the digital transformation of business and actively contributed to society. Over the past three years, we have jointly endured the challenges posed by the pandemic and navigated macro-environmental uncertainty. Through prosperity and adversity, we have grown stronger, shared unforgettable experiences, and worked through it together. I am grateful that the friendships and bonds forged on this journey are the most valuable and meaningful to me.
Over the past 24 years, we have begun to reinvent ourselves many times. Today, we are all united at a new starting point, hoping to unlock new growth through self-transformation. I know you will continue to support Joe, Eddie and the new senior management team. Please find the best path and platform for yourself. We hope that your self-actualization will benefit society and your company, but more importantly, it will help you find ways to become the best version of yourself. The team at Cloud Intelligence Group and I are also at a new stage, leveraging the power of new technologies in cloud computing, big data and artificial intelligence to contribute to the digital transformation of companies of all sizes and industries. great potential it brings. I am incredibly enthusiastic and excited.
Folks, the landscape may evolve, but the mountains remain and the rivers continue to flow. Let’s start a new chapter. Hope everyone has a good time when we meet again!
Daniel Chang
Chairman and CEO of Alibaba Group
Chairman and CEO of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group
2023.6.20
