Alibaba Streamlines Leadership Amid AI and Global Push

Number of partners reduced from 26 to 17 as Alibaba sharpens focus on revitalizing growth

Jun 30, 2025

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Alibaba posted a 6% rise in revenue to 996.4 billion yuan ($138.9 billion) and a 77% increase in net income to 125.98 billion yuan

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. has significantly reshaped its influential partnership system, cutting nearly a third of its members and promoting e-commerce executive Jiang Fan to the company’s top leadership circle.

The overhaul reflects the tech giant’s sharpened focus on international expansion and artificial intelligence (AI) as it seeks to reignite growth.

In its annual report released Thursday, Alibaba revealed it had reduced the number of partners from 26 to 17, down from 28 two years ago — a major restructuring of its unique governance body under Chairman Joe Tsai and CEO Eddie Wu.

The move consolidates leadership and elevates Jiang, whose international e-commerce unit has become a rare success story amid Alibaba’s efforts to rebound from years of regulatory scrutiny and stagnation. The company is now zeroing in on its core strengths in online retail and AI development.

Established in 2010 by founder Jack Ma,

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