Geely Auto Announces Founder-Led Succession and Governance Overhaul

On August 17, Geely Automobile Holdings Limited announced that founder Li Shufu will resign as chairman and executive director, assuming the honorary title of “Chairman for Life.” The board appointed An Conghui (Andy An), an executive director since June 5, to succeed Li Shufu as chairman, effective August 18, 2026. Gan Jiayue will become chief executive officer, replacing Gui Shengyue, who will move to the vice-chairmanship while retaining his executive-director role. Li Donghui will step down as vice chairman but remain an executive director. Li Shufu will continue as chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and retain his controlling shareholding in Geely Auto.

Geely Automobile Leadership Shakeup: Li Shufu Steps Down as Chairman, Hands Reins to An Conghui — BigGo Finance Li Shufu Steps Down as Geely Auto Chairman; An Conghui Takes Over, Ushering in Professional Management Era — BigGo Finance Geely Auto reshuffles top management to advance One Geely strategy Geely Auto’s Li Shufu to step down as chairman, replaced by An Conghui; remains ZGH group chair

Li Shufu first signaled a formal succession plan at the Chongqing Auto Show in June, noting the need for a “professional talent pipeline” to sustain growth. The August reshuffle marks the most extensive senior-management change since the company’s founding and signals a shift to a governance structure led by professional managers.

Geely Automobile Leadership Shakeup: Li Shufu Steps Down as Chairman, Hands Reins to An Conghui — BigGo Finance

Geely’s interim results for the first half of 2026 showed a 1 % rise in total sales to 1.423 million units, while revenue reached 173.6 billion yuan (? $25.8 billion), a 15 % increase and a record high. Core net profit attributable to shareholders climbed 46 % to 9.68 billion yuan (? $1.4 billion). Premium brand Zeekr sold 178,000 units (up 97 % YoY) and contributed 31.7 % of revenue despite representing only 12.5 % of volume. Lynk & Co delivered 144,000 units, with new-energy models comprising 65 % of its sales. The Geely Galaxy line approached 520,000 units, placing it among the world’s top three new-energy brands, while the China Star fuel line sold over 580,000 units, retaining its status as China’s best-selling domestic-brand fuel passenger car for a tenth consecutive year.

Li Shufu Steps Down as Geely Auto Chairman; An Conghui Takes Over, Ushering in Professional Management Era — BigGo Finance Geely Auto’s Li Shufu to step down as chairman, replaced by An Conghui; remains ZGH group chair Times of South Africa

Geely Auto’s board highlighted that Gan Jiayue’s extensive management experience will support the execution of the company’s long-term strategic objectives.

Times of South Africa

• June 5: An Conghui appointed executive director of Geely Auto.

Geely Auto reshuffles top management to advance One Geely strategy

• August 17: Public announcement of the management restructuring and interim results.

Geely Automobile Leadership Shakeup: Li Shufu Steps Down as Chairman, Hands Reins to An Conghui — BigGo Finance

• August 18, 2026: Effective date for Li Shufu’s resignation, An Conghui’s appointment as chairman, and Gan Jiayue’s promotion to CEO.

Geely Automobile Leadership Shakeup: Li Shufu Steps Down as Chairman, Hands Reins to An Conghui — BigGo Finance

The restructuring is positioned as a catalyst for “One Geely” synergies, strengthening collaboration with the controlling shareholder while advancing ESG performance. Geely aims to generate two-thirds of its sales outside China, leveraging Zeekr’s premium-EV platform and the joint venture with Ford to build electric SUVs in Spain. The firm targets annual European sales of 600,000 vehicles within two to three years, relying on Volvo’s European factories to produce luxury models for its portfolio.

Times of South Africa

• “The board believes that Gan’s extensive management experience and industry expertise will enable him to lead the group’s operations effectively and support the execution of the group’s long-term strategic objectives,” — Geely Auto, role as chairman

Times of South Africa

• “I am fully confident that the new board and management team will carry forward Geely Automobile Holding’s excellent corporate culture, refine our institutional systems, and ensure our continued leadership in ESG [environmental, social and governance] performance,” — Li Shufu, founder

Geely Auto’s Li Shufu to step down as chairman, replaced by An Conghui; remains ZGH group chair