Geely founder Li Shufu steps down as Geely Auto chairman, An Conghui to replace

Geely Automobile founder Li Shufu has stepped down as chairman and executive director of Geely Automobile Holdings, effective 18 August 2026.

Li will take on the role of lifetime honorary chairman while remaining as the chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and its controlling shareholder.

He will be succeeded by An Conghui, a Geely veteran of nearly 30 years who previously led the company's integration following its acquisition of Volvo and played a key role in the development of Zeekr.

As part of the management reshuffle, Gan Jiayue has been appointed CEO, replacing Gui Shengyue, who will become vice chairman while remaining an executive director. Li Donghui has also stepped down as vice chairman but will remain an executive director.

The leadership changes were announced alongside Geely Auto's 2026 interim results, which showed revenue rising 15% year-on-year (YoY) to RMB 173.6 billion (~RM 104 billion), while core net profit jumped 46% to RMB 9.68 billion (~RM 5.8 billion). Gross margin also improved to 17.9%.

Geely sold 1.423 million vehicles during the first half of 2026, up just 1% year-on-year (YoY). However, overseas sales surged 158% to 474,228 units, helping offset a 22.6% decline in domestic sales.

The company has subsequently raised its 2026 export target from 640,000 to 920,000 units, as it accelerates its overseas expansion.

Geely said the management transition marks a shift from a founder-driven organisation towards a more institutionalised and professional management structure, while Li will continue to oversee the wider Geely Holding Group.