Billionaire Profile
Robin Zeng
Global Rank
#31

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Robin Zeng

CEO, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL)
HK
Real-Time Net Worth
$58.5B
As of December 2025
Age
56
Source
Batteries
Industry
energy
Citizenship
HK

Biography

Robin Zeng is a Chinese billionaire and the founder and chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL), the world's largest maker of lithium-ion batteries. His net worth is estimated at $58.5 billion as of December 5, 2025. Zeng's wealth source is primarily batteries, a key component in the energy industry. His career began in shipbuilding, transitioning to the battery sector, where he saw the potential for renewable energy solutions. Zeng's achievements include establishing CATL as a leading global manufacturer of EV batteries.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Born in 1968 in Ningde, Fujian province, China, Robin Zeng grew up in a farming village. He was a strong student and attended Shanghai Jiaotong University, where he earned a degree in marine engineering. He later pursued a master's degree in electronics and information engineering and a PhD in physics from the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Rise to Success

Zeng's career began in the shipbuilding industry. However, he soon recognized the growing demand for renewable energy solutions and shifted to the battery sector. In 1999, Zeng founded Amperex Technology Limited (ATL), producing lithium-ion batteries for consumer electronics, becoming a major supplier for companies like Apple. In 2005, ATL was sold to TDK. Zeng later saw a greater opportunity in the electric vehicle (EV) market and founded Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) in 2011. CATL quickly rose to global dominance by supplying batteries to top EV manufacturers, including Tesla, BMW, and Volkswagen.

Key Business Strategies

Zeng's success is attributed to several key strategies. CATL focused on innovation and R&D, investing heavily in next-generation battery technologies. The company secured partnerships with major automakers and focused on cost-effective production, and sustainable practices.

Philanthropy

Zeng has expressed his desire to "share these riches to create a good society." His philanthropic efforts and specific amounts are not widely publicized in the search results, but his actions indicate a focus on creating a sustainable future and supporting entrepreneurs.

Career Milestones

1999

Founded Amperex Technology Limited (ATL)

Produced lithium polymer batteries for consumer electronics.

2005

ATL acquired by TDK

Zeng continued as a manager for ATL.

2011

Founded Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL)

Focused on developing batteries for EVs.

2017

CATL went public

Became a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

General Philanthropy

Not Specified

Not specified

Focus on creating a sustainable future and supporting entrepreneurs.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I don't want to be the rich guy. I want to share these riches to create a good society.""

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Commitment to research and development.

Cost-Effective Production

Prioritizing efficiency and optimization in manufacturing.

Strategic Partnerships

Building and maintaining strong relationships with automakers.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Commitment to sustainable development and reducing environmental impact.

Controversies & Challenges

Unknown

US Blacklist

CATL was added to a US blacklist of companies with alleged links to the Chinese military, a claim CATL denied.