Billionaire Profile
Eric Li
Global Rank
#125

Image: Will629 | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Eric Li

CEO, Automobiles
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$21.4B
Estimated based on Automobiles stock value as of April 20, 2026
-2.83% (24h)
Age
62
Source
Automobiles
Industry
Automotive
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Eric Li, also known as Li Shufu, is a prominent Chinese billionaire and the chairman of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Born in 1963, Li has shaped the automotive industry since founding Geely in 1986. His source of wealth stems from automobiles. Li's career includes the successful acquisition of Volvo Cars in 2010 and a significant stake in Daimler. His achievements include transforming Geely into a global automotive powerhouse, with a diverse portfolio of brands like Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr. As of March 10, 2026, his estimated net worth is $17.8 billion.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Eric Li, also known as Li Shufu, was born on June 25, 1963, in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China. Li's early childhood was spent in Taizhou, where he developed an interest in business and innovation. He holds an engineering degree from Yanshan University.

Rise to Success

Li Shufu founded Geely in 1986, initially focusing on refrigerator parts before transitioning to motorcycle manufacturing in 1994. He entered the automotive industry in 1997, becoming China's first privately-owned car manufacturer. Geely's first car, the Geely Haoqing, rolled off the assembly line in 1998. A significant milestone was the acquisition of Volvo Cars in 2010. Geely went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2004.

Key Business Strategies

Geely's success is attributed to its strategic acquisitions and expansion into new markets, including the development of electric vehicle brands like Zeekr. Geely has also focused on technological innovation, as seen in its development of Full-Domain AI 2.0. The company has expanded its R&D and design centers globally.

Philanthropy

Information on Eric Li's specific philanthropy amounts is not readily available in the search results. He is known to support educational and healthcare initiatives in China.

Career Milestones

1986

Founded Geely

Founded Geely, initially as a refrigerator parts manufacturer.

1994

Entered Motorcycle Industry

Geely transitioned into the motorcycle industry.

1997

Entered Automotive Industry

Geely entered the automotive industry, becoming China's first privately-owned car manufacturer.

2004

Geely Automobile Holdings Listed

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

2010

Acquired Volvo Cars

Geely acquired Volvo Cars.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education & Healthcare

Educational and Healthcare Initiatives

Undisclosed

Supports educational and healthcare initiatives in China.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Li told Forbes Asia in 2014 he made his first car from the sand as a boy. "We couldn't afford any toys. I couldn't imagine making a real car.""