Notable Roles | - Founder, Chairman & CEO, Xiaomi Corporation |
Key Recognition | - Forbes Businessman of the Year (2014) |
Background and Early Foundations
Lei Jun was born in Xiantao, Hubei, China, to a family of educators. His father earned a modest salary of $7 a month. From a young age, Lei exhibited a keen interest in electronics, often disassembling and reassembling radios. He built his village’s first electric lamp using batteries, a bulb, and a self-made wooden box. In 1991, he graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from Wuhan University.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2000 | Founded Joyo.com, an online bookstore, sold to Amazon for $75 million in 2004. |
2010 | Founded Xiaomi Corporation with seven partners. |
2011 | Co-founded Shunwei Capital, focusing on tech investments. |
2018 | Led Xiaomi's IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising $4.7 billion. |
2021 | Announced Xiaomi's entry into the electric vehicle (EV) market with a $10 billion investment plan. |
2024 | Launched Xiaomi's first EV, the SU7, receiving over 100,000 pre-orders. |
- Net Worth: Estimated at $35.3 billion, making him China’s fifth richest individual.
- Xiaomi’s Global Standing: Ranks among the top three smartphone manufacturers worldwide.
- EV Market Entry: Xiaomi’s SU7 model marks a significant move into the electric vehicle sector, with plans to become one of China’s top three EV manufacturers.
Leadership Style and Influence
Often dubbed the “Steve Jobs of China,” Lei Jun is known for his charismatic presentations and hands-on approach to product development. He emphasizes a user-centric philosophy, integrating customer feedback into product iterations. Under his leadership, Xiaomi has built a robust ecosystem of affordable, high-quality tech products, fostering a loyal global fanbase.
Legacy and Future Focus
Lei Jun’s journey from a modest upbringing to leading a global tech conglomerate epitomizes entrepreneurial resilience. His ventures have not only transformed consumer electronics but are now poised to impact the automotive industry. With a strong emphasis on innovation and user experience, Lei continues to steer Xiaomi towards new frontiers in technology.
