Billionaire Profile
Zhang Bangxin
Global Rank
#1408

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zhang Bangxin

CEO, TAL Education Group
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.25B
As of December 2025
Age
45
Source
Education
Industry
service
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Zhang Bangxin, also known as Tom Zhang, is a self-made Chinese billionaire. Born on October 1, 1980, he is the co-founder and chairman of TAL Education Group, a leading education services firm listed in the U.S. His wealth source is education, and he is a prominent figure in the service industry. Zhang holds an EMBA from China Europe International Business School. His career took off when he co-founded TAL Education Group in 2003, which grew into a major education provider in China. He has been recognized with awards for his entrepreneurial success and is known for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to various charitable causes.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zhang Bangxin was born in 1980 in Jiangsu Province, China. He faced financial difficulties during his childhood. He is also known as Tom Zhang. He later co-founded TAL Education Group in 2003.

Rise to Success

Zhang's career took a significant turn when he co-founded TAL Education Group (formerly Xueersi) in 2003. Under his leadership, TAL Education Group became a leading education services provider in China, offering online and offline tutoring services to millions of students. The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in October 2010.

Key Business Strategies

Key business strategies involve building TAL Education Group into a successful education empire and becoming a self-made billionaire. He is recognized for his contributions to the education sector and his innovative approach to providing quality education to students.

Philanthropy

Zhang Bangxin is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has made significant contributions to various charitable causes. He is passionate about improving education opportunities for underprivileged children and has established foundations to support education initiatives.

Career Milestones

2003

Co-founded Xueersi

Co-founded Xueersi, the precursor to TAL Education Group, with classmates.

2010

TAL Education Group IPO

TAL Education Group listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

2018

Entrepreneur of the Year

Named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young.

2019

Forbes Asia 'Heroes of Philanthropy'

Recognized by Forbes Asia as one of the 'Heroes of Philanthropy'.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

TAL Education Award at Sichuan University

$0.7

Established TAL Education Award at Sichuan University through a donation.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""Values are no less important than capabilities. You bring together the best people that perfectly match your values and screen out people that do not. Your values are your business model.""

Leadership Principles

Pragmatism

TAL's value emphasizing that stronger is more important than bigger; quality is more important than quantity; inner is more important than outer; deeds are more important than words; and data is more important than experience.

Controversies & Challenges

2021

Wealth Decline

Saw his fortune tumble due to China's crackdown on the private tutoring industry.