Ye Chenghai

Ye Chenghai (born 15 August 1943) is a Chinese businessman and former politician, best known as the founder and former chairman of Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. .[1] He is a Hakka born in Meizhou, Guangdong. He served as Vice Mayor of Shenzhen before quitting politics and entering business.[2]

As of May 2015, his net worth is estimated at US$4.2 billion.[3]

Early life and political career

Ye was born in Meixian (now Meixian District of Meizhou), Guangdong, and studied international politics at Renmin University of China.[4] After graduating in 1968, he was assigned to Bao'an County (the predecessor of Shenzhen) and later held positions in Shenzhen, including serving as a member of the municipal party standing committee, party secretary of Luohu District, and vice mayor of Shenzhen.[4]

He resigned from government in 1985 and entered business.[4][5]

Business career

Following his resignation from government, Ye founded and held positions at companies including Hong Kong-based Meizhou International Trade and Shenzhen Haibin Pharmaceutical .[4]

In 1998, a Hong Kong-controlled Salubris entity formed Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals (then a limited company), which was reorganized into a joint-stock company in 2007; Ye served as chairman for many years and was also identified as an actual controller of the listed company via the Hong Kong Salubris entity.[4][1]

In September 2022, Ye resigned as chairman and continued as a director, with the company appointing his son Ye Yuxiang (Kevin Sing Ye) as chairman.[6][7]

Philanthropy and other roles

Ye has served as a vice chairman of Renmin University of China's board.[1][8] In April 2024, Renmin University of China announced the establishment of the Chenghai Institute for Global Development and Security, funded by Ye's donation.[9]