Billionaire Profile
Chen Jianhua
Global Rank
#401

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Chen Jianhua

CEO, Hengli Group
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$10B
As of December 2025
Age
54
Source
Chemicals
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Chen Jianhua is a prominent Chinese billionaire known for his success in the chemicals and manufacturing industries. Born in 1956, he is the chairman of the Hengli Group, a major player in petrochemicals, textiles, and property development. Chen's career began with trading textiles. He later acquired a state-owned chemical fiber factory before expanding into petrochemicals, leading to his substantial net worth. Chen is married to Fan Hongwei, also a billionaire and the chairwoman of Hengli Petrochemical. Chen's journey exemplifies the power of determination and innovation in China's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Chen Jianhua was born in Lufeng, Guangdong, China, in March 1956. He quit school at 13. He later made his fortune trading textiles and acquired a state-owned chemical fiber factory before expanding into petrochemicals. Chen joined the Communist Party of China in 1978. Chen started at grassroots levels, serving in various administrative and Party positions throughout Guangdong Province. This exposure enabled him to gain practical governance experience.

Rise to Success

Chen Jianhua is the chairman of Hengli Group, one of China's largest petrochemical businesses. Chen made his fortune trading textiles and later acquired a state-owned chemical fiber factory before expanding into petrochemicals. Chen Jianhua transitioned into politics, serving as Secretary to Guangdong party chief Xie Fei. He held various positions within the Guangzhou municipal Party Standing Committee. Chen's political career culminated in his appointment as Mayor of Guangzhou in 2011.

Key Business Strategies

Chen Jianhua has placed a significant emphasis on creating a work environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and personal growth. His leadership has fostered a corporate culture that values employee development and teamwork, which has contributed to the high level of performance and success that his companies have achieved.

Philanthropy

Information regarding specific philanthropic amounts is unavailable in the search results. Chen Jianhua's wife, Fan Hongwei, is known for corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Career Milestones

1994

Co-founded Hengli Group

Established the Hengli Group with his wife, Fan Hongwei, which operates in oil refining, petrochemicals, and textiles.

2011

Mayor of Guangzhou

Appointed Mayor of Guangzhou, a major economic powerhouse in China.

2016

Chairman of Guangzhou People's Congress

Elected Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Guangzhou People's Congress.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Poverty Alleviation

Corporate Social Responsibility

Undisclosed

Chen and his wife are involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives.