Early Life
Richard Liu was born in Suqian, Jiangsu, China, on March 10, 1973. He came from a modest background, with his parents being rice farmers. His maternal grandmother played a significant role in his upbringing, instilling in him the values of making the most of what one has.
Rise to Success
Liu began his entrepreneurial journey in 1998 by opening a retail shop in Beijing's Zhongguancun High-tech Industrial Park, named Jingdong, selling magneto-optical products. Recognizing the potential of e-commerce, he shifted his business online in 2004, which later became JD.com. Under his guidance, JD.com has grown to become a leading e-commerce platform in China. Liu stepped down as CEO in 2022, remaining as chairman.
Key Business Strategies
Key to JD.com's success has been its focus on authentic products, high-quality logistics, and customer service. Liu implemented a proprietary logistics network, ensuring fast and reliable delivery, which became a major competitive advantage. The company expanded its services to include retail, technology, logistics, healthcare, and more. The company's revenue for 2024 was $158.758 billion.
Philanthropy
Liu is known for his philanthropic activities. In February 2022, he announced a donation of shares worth $2.2 billion to a third-party foundation. Additionally, in January 2025, he gifted approximately $1,400 to each villager in his hometown, Guangming Village, as a gesture of gratitude for their support during his early education.
