On the move
Ex Sinochem chairman to helm ChemChina
China National Chemical Corp, a Stateowned enterprise specializing in chemical materials production and oil processing, appointed Ning Gaoning (pictured) as its chairman. Ning will succeed Ren Jianxin who retired. Prior, Ning served Sinochem Group Co Ltd as chairman, and before that, worked as chairman of COFCO Corp, a Stateowned agricultural product supplier from 2004 to 2016.
Lu Qi of Baidu to lead Y Combinator as CEO
US startup incubator Y Combinator Inc named Lu Qi, former Baidu Inc executive, as CEO of its China operations. Y Combinator, which had provided seed capital to Airbnb Inc, will start YC China, its program for the country, next summer. Prior, Y Combinator offered startups in the US financing and networking services in exchange for stakes in them. In his new position, Lu will be responsible for discovering high-growth startups and helping them to explore the US market, according to Bloomberg. The company also hopes Lu will lead its Chinese arm to help US companies to get into the China market.
CAA China elevates Gu to top job
CAA China, which is engaged in entertainment agency, appointed Gu Shuhang as its new CEO. The company is a joint venture between entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency LLC or CAA and entertainment investment company CMC Capital Partners or CMC. In the past, Gu served as the regional president and managing director of Special Olympics International in East Asia. In her new position, Gu will be responsible for expanding the CAA China’s business in the sports and live event segments while sustaining its growth in motion pictures and film finance. Richard Lovett, president of CAA, said CAA China is embracing a new stage in its growth plan and Gu’s joining will be a strong accelerator.
J.D. Power hires Su Jun as president
US-based marketing services company J.D. Power appointed Su Jun as president of its China operations. Su succeeded Mei Songlin who is now vice-president for new product development. In his new position, Su will oversee the company’s business operations and growth strategies in China. Doug Betts, senior vice-president at global automotive division of J.D. Power, said Su is an ideal choice for the position with his technology background, as the company is transitioning to a tech-driven market analysis provider.
Thakran joins board of luxury goods seller Secoo
Secoo Holding Ltd, an e-commerce platform for luxury goods, appointed Ravi Thakran as a new member of the board. Thakran is also the chairman and partner of L Catterton Asia, a private equity firm that has jointly invested $175 million in Secoo with China’s tech giant JD. Prior, Thakran served in LVMH, a global luxury goods group. Li Rixue, founder and CEO of Secoo, said he looks forward to cooperating with Thakran and believes Secoo will enjoy larger business growth with Thakran’s expertise and rich connections.