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Billionaire Profile
Zhang Yin
Global Rank
#2217

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zhang Yin

CEO, Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.7B
As of December 2025
Age
68
Source
Paper manufacturing
Industry
manufacturing
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Zhang Yin, also known as Cheung Yan, is a prominent Chinese entrepreneur and the founder of Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited, one of the largest paper manufacturers in China. Born in 1957, Zhang overcame early challenges to build a business empire, starting with a paper trading company in Hong Kong and later expanding to the United States. Her source of wealth is paper manufacturing, and her net worth is currently estimated at $1.7 billion. Her career has been marked by strategic foresight and innovative leadership in the industry, making her the first woman to top the Hurun Report's list of richest people in China.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zhang Yin, born Zhang Xiuhua in 1957 in Shaoguan, Guangdong, China, faced early challenges, including her father's imprisonment during the Cultural Revolution. These experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination.

Rise to Success

Zhang's career began with a bookkeeping role in a textile factory. Recognizing opportunities in the wastepaper trade, she founded Ying Gang Shen in Hong Kong in 1985. In 1990, she moved to Los Angeles and co-founded America Chung Nam, which became the leading American paper exporter. Returning to Hong Kong in 1995, she co-founded Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited with her husband and brother, leading to a successful IPO in 2006. Through strategic investments, Nine Dragons grew to become the world's largest maker of packaging paper.

Key Business Strategies

Zhang's success stems from identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities, particularly in the recycling of waste paper. Her focus on low costs and forward-thinking market forecasting enabled Nine Dragons Paper to become a leader in the industry.

Philanthropy

Information on Zhang Yin's specific philanthropic initiatives and amounts could not be found with the current search queries.

Career Milestones

1985

Founded Ying Gang Shen

Established a paper trading company in Hong Kong.

1990

Co-founded America Chung Nam

Co-founded a paper exporting company in Los Angeles that later became the leading American paper exporter.

1995

Co-founded Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited

Co-founded Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited in Hong Kong with her husband and brother.

2006

IPO of Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited

Nine Dragons Paper Holdings Limited had a successful initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

2009

Nine Dragons Paper became the world's largest maker of packaging paper

Nine Dragons Paper expanded and became the world's largest maker of packaging paper.

2014

Asian CEO of the Year

Named Asian CEO of the Year at RISI's 15th annual Asian Pulp and Paper Conference.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

N/A

Not found

Undisclosed

Philanthropic information could not be located with the current search queries.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""People see only waste in discarded paper. But behind this waste, I saw a real forest.""

Leadership Principles

Vision and Foresight

Zhang Yin demonstrated the ability to see and capitalize on market opportunities, particularly in the recycling of waste paper, and forecast market trends.

Cost Efficiency

Focus on low costs.

Family-Oriented Approach

Zhang Yin has a family-oriented approach to the business.

Controversies & Challenges

2007-2008

Labor Disputes

Nine Dragons faced labor strikes due to proposed labor law changes and employee layoffs.