(UTV|COLOMBO) – Jack Ma, the Executive Chairman of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, has said he plans to step down in a year.
The news, in a letter sent by Mr. Ma to Alibaba customers and shareholders, follows conflicting reports over the weekend on the timing of his exit.
Mr. Ma, one of China’s richest men, will hand over the reins to Daniel Zhang, currently Chief Executive.
Alibaba is one of the world’s most valuable companies – its shares nearly doubled in value last year.
Mr. Zhang will become Executive Chairman on 10 September 2019, the Company said in a statement.
The one-year handover period is aimed at achieving a “Smooth and successful transition.”
Mr. Ma, previously an English teacher, co-founded Alibaba in 1999 and has seen it become one of the world’s biggest internet companies.
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