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Billionaire Profile
Lu Xiangyang
Global Rank
#141

Image: Zhouyunjie98 | CC BY-SA 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Lu Xiangyang

CEO, Automobiles
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$19.56B
Estimated based on Automobiles stock value as of April 20, 2026
-0.85% (24h)
Age
63
Source
Automobiles, batteries
Industry
Automotive
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Lu Xiangyang (born 1962) is a prominent Chinese entrepreneur and the co-founder of BYD Company Limited, a global leader in electric vehicles and battery manufacturing. His source of wealth stems from his investments in Automobiles, batteries. Xiangyang's career began at the People's Bank of China before transitioning to the financial sector. In 1995, he co-founded BYD with his cousin Wang Chuanfu, providing crucial initial capital. As Vice Chairman of BYD and Chairman of Youngy Investment Holding Group, Xiangyang has been instrumental in BYD's success and expansion. His achievements include strategic investments in lithium and cobalt mines, securing vital resources for BYD's battery production. He is married and resides in Guangzhou, China. As of March 2026, his net worth is estimated at $19.7 billion.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lu Xiangyang was born in 1962 in Anhui, China, into a farming family. He began his professional career at the local branch of the People's Bank of China around age 16. During his tenure, he advanced rapidly, becoming the youngest department head in the Anhui branch.

Rise to Success

In 1995, Lu Xiangyang co-founded BYD (Build Your Dreams) with his cousin Wang Chuanfu. He provided the initial capital for the company, which began as a battery manufacturer. BYD quickly gained a dominant position in the global battery market, supplying products to major companies. Recognizing the potential of clean energy technologies, Lu and Wang made a strategic move into the automotive sector in the early 2000s, specifically focusing on electric vehicles (EVs). In 2003, BYD acquired an auto assembly plant, enabling EV manufacturing.

Key Business Strategies

Lu Xiangyang played a pivotal role in BYD's strategic shift from battery production to automotive applications. He also founded Youngy Investment Holding Group, which focuses on sectors like new energy materials and finance. Lu has been instrumental in BYD's pivot to electric vehicles, contributing to its 2024 revenue. Beyond BYD, he manages Youngy Investment Holding Group and holds stakes in entities like Youngy Co and Youngy Health, deriving his fortune primarily from automobiles and batteries.

Philanthropy

Lu Xiangyang serves as Vice Chairman of the BYD Charity Foundation since 2014, supporting education, disaster relief, and technological innovation for social good.

Career Milestones

1995

Co-founded BYD

Provided initial capital, enabling the company to enter the rechargeable battery market.

1995

Founded Youngy Investment Holding Group

Established an investment firm focusing on diverse sectors, including new energy.

2008

Became Vice Chairman of BYD

Instrumental in the company's expansion into electric vehicles.

2014

Vice Chairman of BYD Charity Foundation

Leading philanthropic efforts focused on education, disaster relief, and innovation.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Welfare

BYD Charity Foundation Initiatives

Unknown

Grants for education, disaster relief, and programs leveraging technological innovation for social good.

Social Welfare

Shenzhen Lianxia Charity Foundation

Unknown

Contribution to broader charitable governance in the region.

Controversies & Challenges

2025

Accusations of Subsidies

BYD has been accused of benefiting from Chinese government subsidies.

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