Chinese automotive giant Geely is entering a new chapter after founder Li Shufu announced he would step down as chairman and executive director. The leadership transition takes effect on 18 August, with executive director An Conghui taking over the role.
The move marks one of the most significant executive changes in Geely’s history. It comes as the company continues to strengthen its position in the fast-growing global market for electric vehicles, intelligent mobility and premium automotive brands.
Li Shufu founded Geely in 1986 before entering the automotive industry in 1997. Over nearly three decades, he transformed the company from a domestic Chinese carmaker into one of the world’s largest automotive groups.
Today, Geely Holding Group owns or holds significant stakes in several internationally recognised automotive brands, including Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus, Zeekr, Lynk & Co, Smart, Farizon Auto and the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC). The company has become one of China’s strongest global automotive investors through a series of strategic acquisitions and technology partnerships.
The appointment of An Conghui signals Geely’s determination to maintain stability while accelerating innovation. Widely regarded as one of the company’s most experienced executives, he has played a central role in Geely’s product development, manufacturing expansion and premium vehicle strategy over the past two decades.
Industry analysts say the leadership change is unlikely to alter Geely’s long-term direction. Instead, it reflects a carefully planned succession designed to ensure continuity as competition in the global automotive industry intensifies.
China has become the world’s largest electric vehicle market, with manufacturers competing aggressively in battery technology, autonomous driving systems and connected mobility solutions. Companies such as BYD, Geely, SAIC and Chery are expanding rapidly into Europe, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, challenging long-established global manufacturers.
For Geely, maintaining strong leadership has become increasingly important as it continues investing heavily in electrification, artificial intelligence, software-defined vehicles and international expansion. The company has also strengthened collaborations with global technology firms to develop next-generation mobility solutions.
Li Shufu’s decision to step aside closes an important chapter in Chinese automotive history. His leadership helped position Geely among the world’s leading automotive groups and demonstrated that Chinese manufacturers could successfully compete on the global stage.
As An Conghui assumes leadership, investors, industry partners and consumers will closely watch how Geely builds on its founder’s legacy while navigating one of the most competitive periods the automotive industry has ever experienced.
