With Xu being chosen to succeed Richard Liu, the founder, JD.com’s personnel reshuffle at the top of its management hints at a possible switch in long-term focus
JD.com Inc (9618: HK) has promoted Xu Lei, president of JD, as the chief executive officer to succeed Richard Liu, founder of the company. Xu will also join the company's board as the executive director, effective immediately.
JD.com said that Xu will be in charge of the day-to-day operations to ensure the collaborative development of various business units of the company and switch the focus to JD.com's long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, Liu will retain his title as the board chairman. These changes will allow him to spend more time on formulating the company's long-term strategies, mentoring younger management and contributing to the revitalization of rural areas.
Xu has been with JD.com since 2009 and promoted to CEO of JD Retail in July 2018. During his time at the company, Xu has held several leadership roles within the sales and marketing divisions of JD Retail, including head of marketing and branding, head of JD Wireless, and head of platform operations. In September 2021, Xu was appointed as the president of JD.com.