SubscribeSign In
LeaderPortfolio
Billionaire Profile
Ye Guofu
Global Rank
#2017

Image: Unsplash Contributor | Unsplash License | via Unsplash

Ye Guofu

CEO, Retail
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.087B
Estimated based on Retail stock value as of April 20, 2026
-1.98% (24h)
Age
48
Source
Retail
Industry
Fashion & Retail
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Ye Guofu, born in November 1977, is a Chinese billionaire entrepreneur and the visionary founder, Chairman, and CEO of MINISO, a global lifestyle retail group. His estimated net worth is $2.3 billion as of March 2026. He is recognized for his ability to identify market trends and create successful business models. Ye's career began after graduating with a diploma in economic management. He founded MINISO in 2013, expanding it rapidly and achieving significant revenue growth through a franchise-heavy model. MINISO is known for offering aesthetically pleasing, fun, and practical products at affordable prices. In 2024, Ye was named one of "Forbes China's Best CEO," highlighting his leadership and the company's global expansion.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Ye Guofu was born in November 1977, in Shiyan, Hubei, China. Growing up in a poor family, he was unable to finish his high school education due to tuition debt. Ye moved to Guangdong Province at age 21, where he began his career. Prior to establishing himself as a businessman, Ye had a dream of becoming a singer, but his dream was cut short when a choir teacher criticized his voice.

Rise to Success

Ye's entrepreneurial journey started with a small cosmetics shop in Foshan's Baihua Mall, where he used a "free makeup" strategy. This venture led to the opening of three more stores within a year. In 2013, Ye founded MINISO, drawing inspiration from Japanese discount retailers. The first MINISO store opened in Guangzhou. By 2015, he expanded MINISO internationally, opening a store in Singapore. MINISO went public on the NYSE in October 2020 and on the HKEX in June 2022. In 2024, Ye Guofu was recognized as "2024 Forbes China's Best CEO".

Key Business Strategies

MINISO's strategy focuses on offering aesthetically pleasing, fun, and practical products, with the "Joy Philosophy" as its business principle. Ye employed a franchise-heavy model for expansion, leading to the opening of thousands of stores across the globe. MINISO's expansion strategy led to over 7,000 stores worldwide. The company has also focused on IP collaborations and supply chain efficiency to maintain its competitive edge.

Philanthropy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ye donated protective supplies and daily necessities worth 3 million yuan to his hometown in Hubei Province.

Career Milestones

2000

Graduation

Graduated with a diploma in economic management from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.

2013

Founded MINISO

Founded MINISO in Guangzhou, China.

2020

NYSE Listing

MINISO went public on the New York Stock Exchange.

2022

HKEX Listing

MINISO listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

2024

Named 'Forbes China's Best CEO'

Ye Guofu was recognized as '2024 Forbes China's Best CEO'.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Disaster Relief

COVID-19 Relief

$0.42

Donated protective supplies and daily necessities to his hometown in Hubei Province.

Controversies & Challenges

2022

Japanese Branding Backlash

MINISO faced consumer backlash in China for its early marketing practices that portrayed the brand as Japanese-inspired, leading to an apology from the company and a decline in stock price.

Compare Ye Guofu

Net Worth Face-off
Ye Guofu vs Elon Musk
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Ye Guofu vs Jeff Bezos
Compare Wealth →
Net Worth Face-off
Ye Guofu vs Mark Zuckerberg
Compare Wealth →