Jack Ma: Alibaba begins a new era as a founder leaves

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Alibaba's chairman, Jack Ma, is due to step down Tuesday from the e-commerce giant, marking the end of an era for the company.

The former English professor co-founded Alibaba in 1999 and he has become one of the largest Internet companies in the world.

Mr. Ma's success and colorful style have made him one of China's most recognizable businessmen.

Daniel Zhang, general manager of Alibaba, will replace him as executive chairman.

The company is now valued at $ 480 billion (389 billion pounds) and Mr. Ma is the richest man in China.

He is also the first founder among a generation of leading Chinese Internet entrepreneurs to leave his company.

Who is Jack Ma?

Born into a poor family in Hangzhou, east China, Mr. Ma began his career as a teacher.

He bought his first computer at the age of 33 and was surprised to find that no Chinese beer was found during his first online search on "beer".

Having no computer experience, Mr. Ma co-founded Alibaba in his apartment, after convincing a group of friends to invest in his online market.

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He oversaw the company's growth into an international heavyweight and its listing in New York, which set a record as the largest public offering of shares in the world.

Mr. Ma has a net worth of $ 38.6 billion, which ranks him among the world's richest billionaires, according to Forbes.

He also seems to like the limelight and to have participated in an event organized by Alibaba in 2017 wearing an outfit inspired by Michael Jackson's theme.

What's next for Mr. Ma?

The technology entrepreneur said he wanted to focus on philanthropy and education.

He told the New York Times last year that his retirement was not the end, but the "beginning of an era".

"I like education," he said.

The newspaper announced that it would remain on Alibaba 's board of directors and continue to supervise the management of the company.

Quiet, unpretentious and known for standing out of the spotlight, Mr. Zhang looks nothing like his predecessor.

Inside Alibaba, Mr. Zhang would be known as Xiaoyaozi, the name of a character of a Chinese martial arts novel. This means the "unhindered" – someone who stays out of battle but is good at coaching others.

This reputation will serve him well as he will guide Alibaba in some of the most difficult times. The Chinese market, where he realizes two thirds of his income, slows down.

At the same time, attempts at international expansion have been difficult.

US surveillance of Chinese companies is blocking growth in the West. In some parts of Southeast Asia and India, analysts say understanding how to work in local markets and with local people is proving to be a challenge for Chinese society.

Then comes the multibillion-dollar deferred public offer in Hong Kong, allegedly provoked by pro-democracy protests in that country.

However, Mr. Zhang's biggest challenge may well be to live up to the image of Mr. Ma himself, a man who enjoyed the respect and affection of his staff and the community. international.