Early Life
Michael Ying Lee Yuen was born in December 1949 in Hong Kong. His family had humble beginnings, with roots in Wenchang, Hainan, China. Early in his career, he worked as a laborer in a garment factory. This experience provided him with a solid understanding of the retail business from the ground up.
Rise to Success
Ying's career took a significant turn when he became the sole sourcing agent for Esprit in 1970. This marked the start of his rise. He played a key role in establishing Esprit's presence in Asia. By the early 2000s, he acquired full ownership of the company and served as chairman and CEO from 1993 to 2006. During his leadership, Esprit experienced significant growth, with sales increasing substantially.
Key Business Strategies
Ying's strategies included brand repositioning to appeal to a broader international audience. He also enhanced operational efficiencies. These initiatives positioned Esprit as a leading lifestyle brand. He oversaw the company's expansion and a surge in sales. Ying helped build Esprit into a global brand.
Philanthropy
After stepping down as the CEO of Esprit in 2006, Ying founded the Yanai Foundation. The Yanai Foundation focuses on medical and educational initiatives. Through the Yanai Foundation, he supports youth in mainland China and Hong Kong. The foundation has built over 200 schools across 18 provinces. Ying has also supported other charitable ventures.
