ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming for the first time has emerged as China's richest person, according to a list compiled by Hurun Research Institute, leaving behind Nongfu Spring Chairperson Zhong Shanshan who has topped the rankings for three years.
Midea founder He Xiangjian and CATL's CEO Zeng Yuqun took fifth and sixth places on the list.
"The Hurun China Rich List has shrunk for an unprecedented third year running, as China's economy and stock markets had a difficult year," said Rupert Hoogewerf, Hurun report chairman and chief researcher.
The current rich list predominantly comprises entrepreneurs from the technology, consumer electronics and new energy space, from what used to be dominated by real estate developers, Hoogewerf noted.
"The stories of the individuals on the Hurun China Rich List tell the story of the Chinese economy," he said.
Persons:
Zhang Yiming, Zhong Shanshan, Zhang, Zhong, ByteDance, Hurun, Ma Huateng, Colin Huang, Xiangjian, Zeng Yuqun, Rupert Hoogewerf, Hoogewerf, ByteDance's Zhang, Huang
Organizations:
Hurun Research Institute, Nongfu, Research
Locations:
Shanghai, China