Lei Jun - CEO of Xiaomi Corporation

Lei Jun is a Chinese entrepreneur and technology innovator, best known as the co-founder and CEO of Xiaomi Corporation, a leading global technology company specializing in smartphones, consumer electronics, and software services. Born on December 16, 1969, in Xiantao, Hubei Province, China, Lei is widely recognized for his visionary leadership and transformative contributions to the consumer technology industry. With a background in engineering and a passion for entrepreneurship, he has become a prominent figure in the Chinese and global business communities.

Early Life and Education

Lei Jun was born and raised in Xiantao, a city in central China, where he developed an early interest in technology and innovation. After completing his primary and secondary education, he pursued higher studies in China, earning a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Wuhan University. His education provided him with a strong foundation in software development and engineering.

Career

Lei's entrepreneurial journey began in the 1990s when he co-founded Joyo.com, one of China's first online retail platforms, which was later acquired by Amazon in 2004. Building on his experience in e-commerce, Lei went on to establish several successful technology companies, including UCWeb, a leading provider of mobile internet software and services, which was acquired by Alibaba Group in 2014.

In 2010, Lei co-founded Xiaomi Corporation, with the vision of creating high-quality, innovative, and affordable smartphones for the mass market. Under his leadership, Xiaomi quickly rose to prominence as one of China's largest smartphone manufacturers, known for its cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and competitive pricing. Xiaomi's success in the smartphone market paved the way for its expansion into other consumer electronics categories, such as smart home devices, wearables, and lifestyle products.

As CEO of Xiaomi, Lei has led the company through rapid growth and expansion, establishing it as a global technology powerhouse with a presence in over 100 countries and regions. His strategic vision, focus on innovation, and commitment to delivering value to customers have propelled Xiaomi to become one of the world's leading technology companies, with a diverse portfolio of products and services.

Philanthropy and Other Activities

Lei Jun is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives aimed at promoting education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability in China and beyond. He has donated millions of dollars to various charitable causes through the Lei Jun Foundation, which he established to support projects that benefit underprivileged communities and contribute to social and economic development.

In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Lei is a member of various industry associations, advisory boards, and committees, where he provides guidance and support to initiatives aimed at driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development in China and the global technology industry.

Wealth

Lei Jun's leadership role at Xiaomi Corporation has translated into significant wealth, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in China. As of 2024, his net worth exceeds several billion dollars, primarily derived from his executive compensation and ownership stake in Xiaomi Corporation and its affiliated businesses. His wealth portfolio includes investments in various sectors, including technology, e-commerce, finance, and real estate.

Personal Life

Lei Jun maintains a relatively private personal life and prefers to keep a low profile outside of his business endeavors. He is married and has children, but little is publicly known about his family or personal interests. Despite his immense wealth and influence, Lei remains committed to his corporate responsibilities and philanthropic endeavors, with a long-term vision for the continued growth and success of Xiaomi Corporation and its contributions to the global technology ecosystem.

Lei Jun's entrepreneurial journey from a software engineer to co-founding one of the world's largest technology companies exemplifies the transformative power of vision, perseverance, and innovation. His impact on the Chinese and global technology industries, as well as his contributions to philanthropy and social development, continue to inspire entrepreneurs and leaders around the world, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and impact.