Li Shufu, one of China's pioneering automotive entrepreneurs, has stepped down from his leadership role at Geely Auto, the group's core unit. This move comes after he successfully transformed the brand into a global export powerhouse.

The resignation, effective 18/8 and announced on 17/8, marks the largest management overhaul for Geely Auto. Andy An (An Conghui), who serves as Geely Holding’s Chief Executive Officer, will succeed Li Shufu as the new chairman of Geely Auto. An Conghui joined the group in 1996 and was appointed to the Board of Directors on 5/6.

Li Shufu, 63, founded Geely Automobile and its parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding, in the 1980s. Under his leadership, the enterprise grew to become one of the top 10 largest automakers globally by sales, a figure that includes contributions from the Volvo brand. Zhejiang Geely acquired a controlling stake in Volvo from Ford in 2010.

In recognition of his significant contributions to the group, Li Shufu has been awarded the title of honorary lifetime chairman. He will continue to support Geely Auto's development as a controlling shareholder and will retain his position as Chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

According to Geely Auto representatives, the personnel changes align with corporate governance requirements and leadership succession plans. They also aim to increase authority for the professional executive team. The automaker stated that An Conghui will focus on enhancing synergy with the parent company and continuing to advance the "One Geely" strategy.

Several other key positions within Geely Auto have also been reorganized. Jerry Gan (Gan Jiayue), who has served as Geely Auto’s Chief Executive Officer since 2021, has been appointed to manage daily operations. Gui Shengyue, Chief Executive Officer since 2005, will transition to Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and remain a Board member, a role intended to strengthen the connection between the Board and the executive team. Meanwhile, Daniel Li (Li Donghui) has stepped down as Vice Chairman but will continue as a Board member.

Gui Shengyue stated that this strategic move signifies the Chinese automaker's "de-familialization," transitioning from a founder-centric startup model to a mature development phase driven by a professional management system. This change is expected to enhance transparency, optimize management practices, and create advancement opportunities for internal staff, ultimately increasing shareholder value.

This overhaul is part of a series of asset and governance restructuring activities recently implemented by Geely. Last June, Li Shufu announced plans to close, merge, or restructure redundant units within Geely Auto.

In 12/2025, the electric vehicle brand Zeekr completed its merger with Geely Auto and delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This followed Geely Auto's acquisition of a 51% stake in Lynk & Co, secured through a 30% share purchase from Volvo, a Geely subsidiary.

By My Anh (according to CnEVPost)