NetEase Inc. (NTES, 9999.HK) has officially announced a major leadership transition, with Yingfeng Ding, the company’s EVP (Executive Vice President), concluding his nearly quarter-century tenure at the organization. The retirement will take effect on December 31, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the internet and gaming services sector’s most influential figures.
Ding’s 23-year journey at NetEase has been nothing short of transformative. As the head of the Interactive Entertainment Group—a cornerstone division within NetEase’s sprawling online games portfolio—he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s gaming strategy and fueling its remarkable expansion throughout the past two decades. Under his stewardship, the Interactive Entertainment Group evolved into a powerhouse, cementing NetEase’s position as a dominant force in the global gaming landscape.
Rather than a complete departure, NetEase has structured a thoughtful transition plan. Following his official retirement, Ding will transition into a consulting role throughout 2026, allowing for continuity and knowledge transfer during this pivotal period. This arrangement reflects the depth of his institutional knowledge and the company’s commitment to maintaining momentum in the interactive entertainment sector.
The move represents a significant shift in NetEase’s leadership structure as the company navigates the evolving gaming industry and strategic priorities ahead.
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NetEase's Interactive Entertainment Leader Steps Down: What This Means for the Gaming Giant
NetEase Inc. (NTES, 9999.HK) has officially announced a major leadership transition, with Yingfeng Ding, the company’s EVP (Executive Vice President), concluding his nearly quarter-century tenure at the organization. The retirement will take effect on December 31, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the internet and gaming services sector’s most influential figures.
Ding’s 23-year journey at NetEase has been nothing short of transformative. As the head of the Interactive Entertainment Group—a cornerstone division within NetEase’s sprawling online games portfolio—he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s gaming strategy and fueling its remarkable expansion throughout the past two decades. Under his stewardship, the Interactive Entertainment Group evolved into a powerhouse, cementing NetEase’s position as a dominant force in the global gaming landscape.
Rather than a complete departure, NetEase has structured a thoughtful transition plan. Following his official retirement, Ding will transition into a consulting role throughout 2026, allowing for continuity and knowledge transfer during this pivotal period. This arrangement reflects the depth of his institutional knowledge and the company’s commitment to maintaining momentum in the interactive entertainment sector.
The move represents a significant shift in NetEase’s leadership structure as the company navigates the evolving gaming industry and strategic priorities ahead.