Billionaire Profile
Ji Qi
Global Rank
#998

Image: Lance Vanlewen | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Ji Qi

CEO, Hotels
SINGAPORE
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.296B
Estimated based on Hotels stock value as of April 20, 2026
+0.32% (24h)
Age
59
Source
Hotels, motels
Industry
Service
Citizenship
SINGAPORE

Biography

Ji Qi is a prominent Chinese entrepreneur, best known for co-founding Ctrip (now Trip.com Group), China's leading online travel agency, and founding H World Group (formerly China Lodging Group), one of China's largest multi-brand hotel operators. Born in 1966, Ji Qi has played a pivotal role in the development of China's hospitality and travel industries. His career spans several successful ventures, from his early work in technology to his significant impact on the hotel sector. With a current estimated net worth of $2.35 billion, Ji Qi's achievements include founding multiple companies and expanding H World Group to operate over 12,000 hotels globally. He holds degrees from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and is recognized for his contributions to China's business landscape.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Ji Qi was born in October 1966, in Rudong County, Jiangsu Province, China. He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering mechanics in 1989 and a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 1992.

Rise to Success

Ji Qi's entrepreneurial journey began with co-founding Trip.com (originally Ctrip) in 1999, where he served as CEO and president until 2001. Following his success at Ctrip, he co-founded Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc. in 2002 and served as its CEO until 2005. In 2005, Ji Qi founded H World Group (formerly China Lodging Group), a significant multi-brand hotel operator. Under his leadership, the company has grown to operate over 10,000 hotels, focusing on budget and midscale segments through brands like Ji Hotel and Hi Inn. As of 2024, he continues to be involved in the travel sector as the Executive Chairman of H World Group and an independent director of Trip.com Group.

Key Business Strategies

Ji Qi's strategic vision involves a strong focus on expansion, particularly in the hotel industry. His approach includes building and acquiring hotel brands across various price points, from budget to upscale segments. He has emphasized leveraging technology for operational efficiency and customer service. Moreover, he has been keen on expanding outside of China.

Philanthropy

Information on Ji Qi's philanthropy initiatives is not readily available in the search results. Further investigation may be needed to uncover specific details of his philanthropic contributions.

Career Milestones

1999

Co-founded Ctrip (now Trip.com)

Served as CEO and President until 2001.

2002

Co-founded Home Inns & Hotels Management Inc.

Served as CEO until 2005.

2005

Founded H World Group (formerly China Lodging Group)

Served in various leadership roles, including CEO and Executive Chairman.