Departure

Reports indicate that Cai Jingxian (“Duolong”), a highly respected Alibaba engineer and known as the “Code God,” has left the company. Cai, Taobao’s first programmer who joined Alibaba in 2000, was a core engineer responsible for building Taobao’s core transaction and forum systems. He became an Alibaba partner in 2014, recognized for his significant contributions to Taobao. Alibaba’s 2023 report confirms Cai is no longer a partner, fueling speculation about his departure and its potential impact on Alibaba’s technology leadership.

NIO’s Chief Technology Planning Expert, Hu Chengchen, has departed the company. Initial reports linked his departure to chip development, citing a user-generated Baidu Baike entry. However, NIO’s Assistant VP of Brand and Communication clarified that Hu was not involved in chip development, but rather the company’s long-term technology roadmap. This comes as NIO rolls out its in-house World Model and its NX9031 intelligent driving chip, which a company executive stated contributed to increased profit margins.

Former Gree Electric executive Wang Ziru discussed his departure in a livestream, hinting at friction stemming from proposed channel reforms. He emphasized the decision wasn’t solely his and highlighted positive relationships with colleagues. While details were guarded, he referenced public salary information and revealed his title wasn’t formally VP. Wang described his work at Gree as reshaping the sales system, driven by a sense of urgency and a desire for a lasting legacy.

Tech influencer Wang Ziru, known for product reviews, is re-entering the AI field after leaving Gree. His departure, described as “the worst time of his life,” stemmed from challenges despite a focus on industrial internet and sales infrastructure overhaul. Wang prioritized vision over compensation and previously integrated within Gree with close proximity to Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu.