Billionaire Profile
Zhang Xinghai & family
Global Rank
#1221

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zhang Xinghai & family

CEO, Seres Group
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$3.3B
As of December 2025
Age
62
Source
Machinery
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Zhang Xinghai, the founder of Seres Group, a prominent Chinese manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles and auto parts, has a net worth of $3.3 billion as of December 5, 2025. His wealth originates from the machinery industry, with his company, Sokon, going public in 2016, significantly increasing his wealth. His career began in 1986 with a factory making springs, later diversifying into shock absorbers and eventually entering the vehicle manufacturing market. His son, Zhang Zhengping, succeeded him as chairman in 2020.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Foundation

Zhang Xinghai was born in August 1963, in Chongqing, China. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1986 at the age of 23. He started a factory in Fenghuang Town, Chongqing, manufacturing springs for domestic appliances and car seats. Initially named Baxian Fenghuang Spring Factory, it was later renamed Chongqing Fenghuang Spring Factory.

Rise to Success

After about ten years, the factory grew significantly, leading Zhang Xinghai to diversify. In late December 1995, he renamed the company to Chongqing Yuan Shock Absorber Co., Ltd., focusing on shock absorbers for bicycles, motorcycles, and light cars, capitalizing on Chongqing's status as a major motorcycle production hub. By 2003, he formed the Chongqing Yuan Innovation Technology (Group). Eventually, the company moved into vehicle production in 2002, with the founding of XGJAO Motorbyke, producing motorcycles.

Key Business Strategies

In 2007, Zhang Xinghai founded Seres Group, initially as an auto parts business. Sokon went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in June 2016, significantly boosting Zhang's wealth. The company has since expanded into the production of intelligent electric vehicles, energy-saving engines, and compact MPVs. In 2019, Sokon Group became the 100% owner of DFSK through an equity swap with Dongfeng, solidifying its position in the market.

Philanthropy

No specific philanthropy amounts could be found.

Career Milestones

1986

Founded Baxian Fenghuang Spring Factory

Started a factory manufacturing springs for domestic appliances and car seats in Chongqing, China.

1995

Renamed the company to Chongqing Yuan Shock Absorber Co., Ltd.

Shifted focus to manufacturing shock absorbers for bicycles, motorcycles, and light cars.

2002

Founded XGJAO Motorbyke

Entered the motorcycle production market.

2007

Founded Seres Group

Established Seres Group as an auto parts business.

2016

Sokon IPO

Sokon went public on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, significantly increasing his wealth.

2020

Son became Chairman

Zhang Zhengping succeeded Zhang Xinghai as chairman.