Billionaire Profile
Xu Gaoming
Global Rank
#362

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Xu Gaoming

CEO, Laopu Gold
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$9.04B
As of December 2025
Age
60
Source
Gold and jewelry
Industry
fashion-retail
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Xu Gaoming, a prominent figure in China's fashion-retail industry, is the founder and chairman of Laopu Gold, a luxury jewelry brand known for its heritage gold jewelry. His primary source of wealth is derived from gold and jewelry. Xu, at 60 years old, has built a significant fortune, with a net worth of $8.9 billion as of 2024. His career began in the fisheries sector, later transitioning to the jewelry business, where his innovative designs and marketing strategies propelled Laopu Gold to success. Xu's achievements include establishing a brand often dubbed the "Hermès of Gold" and taking his company public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. He is ranked #366 in the world.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Xu Gaoming was born in 1964 in Hunan Province, China. His early career began in the 1980s when he worked as a clerk in the fisheries bureau of Yueyang, a city near Dongting Lake. He also pursued further education, completing a correspondence program with Huazhong Agricultural University and earning his degree in 1988.

Rise to Success

After a decade of government service, Xu ventured into the business world in 1995, launching a startup that sold tourist souvenirs and culture-related products. Two decades later, in 2016, he founded Laopu Gold, a company specializing in "heritage gold jewelry." The brand quickly gained recognition, capitalizing on the rising preference among Chinese consumers for products with Chinese heritage elements. Laopu's unique blend of traditional Chinese motifs with modern design, coupled with its high-end image, earned it the nickname "Hermès of Gold" among Chinese shoppers. Xu took the company public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2024, which significantly boosted his wealth.

Key Business Strategies

Laopu Gold's success stems from several key strategies. The brand focuses on elaborate craftsmanship and product designs inspired by Buddhism and Chinese cultural elements. Laopu tapped into the "guochao" trend, appealing to Chinese consumers' preference for domestic brands. The company's stores, located in luxury malls, create an exclusive and high-end image. These strategies have resulted in strong financial performance, with substantial revenue and profit growth. The brand has expanded its digital presence, with its Tmall flagship store leading the platform's gold category in sales.

Philanthropy

Specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available in the search results, but it is known that Xu Gaoming is involved in charitable efforts. Further details on these initiatives would require more specific search queries or additional information.

Career Milestones

1984

Clerk at Yueyang Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Bureau

Began career in the fisheries bureau.

1992

General Manager of the Fisheries Building of the Yueyang Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Bureau

Held a management position within the fisheries bureau.

1995

Founded startup selling tourist souvenirs

Ventured into the business world with a startup.

2016

Founded Laopu Gold

Established Laopu Gold, specializing in heritage gold jewelry.

2024

Laopu Gold went public

Took Laopu Gold public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Charity

Unknown

$XB

Philanthropic efforts are known, specific details unavailable.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""The brand has always sought to both preserve tradition and rebel against tradition.""

Leadership Principles

Focus on Craftsmanship

Emphasis on unique and complicated craftsmanship to build a differentiation strategy.

Maintain High-End Image

Attaching a lot of importance to maintaining its high-end image.

Controversies & Challenges

2021-2022

Failed Mainland China Listing Attempts

Failed attempts to list Laopu Gold in mainland China due to questions about profit margins and transactions with related parties.