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End of an Era: Founder Li Shufu Steps Down as Geely Auto Chairman

End of an Era: Founder Li Shufu Steps Down as Geely Auto Chairman

Professional management takes the wheel as Li Shufu resigns as Geely Automobile Holdings Chairman

Auto News
08/19/2026
ZGH Press, AutoIndustriya.com

In a major strategic realignment, Geely Automobile Holdings Limited has announced that founder Li Shufu (Eric Li) has officially stepped down as Chairman of the Board and Executive Director. The leadership change marks the end of a two-decade founder-led chapter for the Chinese automotive giant as it transitions toward a professional management structure.

In recognition of his pivotal role in expanding Geely from a modest enterprise into a global automotive powerhouse, Li has been named Lifetime Honorary Chairman of Geely Auto. He will retain his role as Chairman of the overarching parent company, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (ZGH), ensuring his continued influence over the broader multi-brand ecosystem that includes Volvo, Polestar, Lotus, and smart.

Succeeding Li as Chairman of Geely Automobile Holdings is An Conghui (Andy An). A nearly 30-year veteran within the Geely organization, An currently serves as CEO of Geely Holding and has previously held leadership roles across key units, including Zeekr Intelligent Technology. In his new capacity, An will focus on driving operational synergies and advancing the "One Geely" global strategy.

The executive reshuffle also includes shifts across top operational roles. Gan Jiayue (Jerry Gan) officially assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer at Geely Auto, overseeing day-to-day operations. Longtime CEO Gui Shengyue transitions to Vice Chairman of the Board alongside Daniel Li Donghui, who steps down as Vice Chairman while retaining his seat as Executive Director.

Speaking during the company's 2026 interim results call, outgoing CEO Gui Shengyue noted that the restructuring represents Geely's deliberate move away from family-centric management. The strategy aims to ensure long-term stability by relying on organizational systems, institutional governance, and a deep talent pipeline rather than individual executive authority.

The leadership handover comes as Geely Auto reports strong financial momentum, posting a 15% year-on-year increase in H1 2026 revenue to 173.6 billion yuan, driven by surging sales of electric and new-energy vehicles.

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