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Zhejiang Geely Holding Group

Automotive / Conglomerates & Electric VehiclesFounded 1986
Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya
Company data updated: October 2026

Founders

Who Founded Zhejiang Geely Holding Group?

Li Shufu · Founded 1986 · HQ today: Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Who founded Zhejiang Geely Holding Group?

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded by Li Shufu in 1986. It is now led by Li Shufu (Eric Li).

Founders
Li Shufu
Founded
1986
Headquarters
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Number of founders
1
Current CEO
Li Shufu (Eric Li) (since 1986)
Where was Zhejiang Geely Holding Group founded?
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China in 1986.
When was Zhejiang Geely Holding Group founded?
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded in 1986.
Who started Zhejiang Geely Holding Group?
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded by Li Shufu.
How old is Zhejiang Geely Holding Group?
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is 40 years old as of 2026.

Founding Story

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded in 1986 by Li Shufu, an incredibly ambitious entrepreneur who started his career taking photographs for tourists and extracting silver from discarded electronics. With absolutely zero automotive experience, he started Geely making refrigerator parts, then pivoted to cheap motorcycles in the 1990s. In 1997, defying intense government skepticism, he boldly launched Geely Auto, becoming the first independent, privately-owned automobile manufacturer in Chinese history. By producing incredibly cheap, highly accessible cars for the exploding Chinese middle class, Geely rapidly amassed the massive wealth required to execute its legendary global acquisition spree.

Li Shufu

Co-founder 1986

Background

Li Shufu was born in Taizhou, Zhejiang. He started Geely there in 1986 making refrigerator parts, moved into motorcycles in the 1990s and into cars in 1998.

Role at Zhejiang Geely Holding Group

Li Shufu (Eric Li) is the founder and chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. He led the purchase of Volvo Cars in 2010. In 2018 his investment vehicle built up a 9.69% stake in Daimler. On August 18, 2026 he stepped down as chairman of Geely Automobile Holdings and became its honorary chairman for life.

Li Shufu was born in 1963.

Li, also known as Eric Li, was born on June 25, 1963.

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group: CEO & Leadership History

Full timeline →

An Conghui (Andy An)

Chief Executive Officer, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group; Chairman, Geely Automobile Holdings

2011 – Present

As President of Geely Holding, the highly trusted, long-time executive executes Li Shufu's massive global vision, deeply integrating the incredibly complex supply chains across Volvo, Lotus, and Polestar.

Li Shufu (Eric Li)

Founder & Chairman, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group

1986 – Present

Founder and controlling shareholder. He stepped down as chairman of Geely Automobile Holdings on August 18, 2026, and was named its honorary chairman for life, but he remains chairman of Geely Holding.

Keep researching Zhejiang Geely Holding Group

Who Founded Zhejiang Geely Holding Group? FAQ

Who founded Zhejiang Geely Holding Group?

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded in 1986 by self-made Chinese industrialist Li Shufu in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China.

How did Li Shufu earn his first entrepreneurial startup capital?

As a teenager, Li borrowed 120 yuan from his father to purchase a camera and a bicycle, taking portraits of tourists at local scenic sites and saving profits to open a photo studio.

What businesses did Li Shufu operate before manufacturing cars?

Li extracted silver from photo waste liquids, manufactured refrigerator parts, produced mag-wheel motorcycle parts, and ran a construction decoration materials enterprise.

How did Li Shufu obtain permission to manufacture automobiles in China?

In the 1990s, automotive production in China was restricted to state-owned giants; Li lobbied regulators for years, famously asking officials to 'give private enterprise a chance to fail.'

What was the significance of the 1997 Geely Haoqing?

The Haoqing was Geely's first production car—an affordable compact vehicle that cost half the price of state-run rivals, democratizing car ownership for ordinary Chinese families.

Why is Li Shufu often called 'China's Henry Ford'?

Western and Chinese media dubbed him 'China's Henry Ford' due to his relentless focus on affordable mass manufacturing, industrial persistence, and visionary corporate consolidation.

What educational institutions did Li Shufu establish?

Li founded Geely University of China and Sanya University, establishing vocational and engineering academies to train thousands of automotive technicians and engineers.

What is Li Shufu's personal net worth and philanthropic contribution?

Ranked among China's wealthiest business titans with a net worth surpassing $15 billion, Li has funded billions of yuan into rural poverty relief, disaster mitigation, and educational scholarships.

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Content is for informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Data sourced from SEC filings, annual reports, and public records. See our full disclaimer and methodology.