Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#600

Image: Benutzer:Bill da Flute | CC BY-SA 3.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Zhang Yong

CEO, Restaurants

SINGAPORE

Real-Time Net Worth

$6.58B

Estimated based on Restaurants stock value as of March 6, 2026

+1.3% (24h)

Age

Source

Restaurants

Industry

Food & Beverage

Citizenship

SINGAPORE

Biography

Zhang Yong is a Chinese-born Singaporean billionaire, renowned as the founder and chairman of Haidilao International Holding, a global restaurant empire. His journey began in Jianyang, Sichuan, where he started his career as a welder. In 1994, he established the first Haidilao restaurant with a vision to provide exceptional customer service, setting it apart from competitors. With an estimated net worth of $5.9 billion, Zhang Yong's wealth primarily stems from his ownership of Haidilao, known for its popular hot pot restaurants. His career is marked by pivotal achievements, including expanding Haidilao into a global brand with nearly 1,400 restaurants. Zhang Yong's success story underscores the power of customer-centric strategies and innovative business practices in the restaurant industry.

Fact Checked

Verified by Editorial Team

Live Data

Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Haidilao International Holding

06862:HK•food-beverage

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zhang Yong was born in Jianyang, Sichuan, China. He started as a welder and did not eat in a restaurant until he was 19. In 1994, he quit his job in a tractor factory.

Rise to Success

In 1994, Zhang co-founded the first Haidilao restaurant with his wife, Shu Ping, and two friends. The initial investment was modest, but the restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its delicious food and exceptional customer service. Zhang recognized the importance of the dining experience and implemented amenities like free manicures and snacks, creating a loyal customer base. By 2018, Haidilao had 466 direct-operated stores and became the largest hotpot restaurant in town. In 2018, the company went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Key Business Strategies

Haidilao's success stems from a customer-centric approach. Zhang focused on providing excellent customer service, including free manicures, shoe polishing, and snacks. This focus, combined with quality food, led to rapid expansion.

Philanthropy

Zhang is known for his philanthropic efforts, supporting initiatives that promote education, poverty alleviation, and community development.

Career Milestones

1994

Founded Haidilao

Co-founded the first Haidilao hot pot restaurant in Jianyang, Sichuan, China.

1998

Opened Second Restaurant

Opened a second restaurant, Lou Wai Lou.

2010

Established Training School

Established a restaurant management training school.

2018

Haidilao IPO

Haidilao International Holding went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

2018

Moved to Singapore

Moved to Singapore and became a naturalized citizen.

2022

Stepped Down as CEO

Stepped down as CEO of Haidilao to focus on long-term strategies.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Social Impact

Education & Community Development

Unknown

Supports initiatives in education, poverty alleviation, and community development.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""I didn't know how to cook hot pot well.""

Leadership Principles

Customer-Centricity

Prioritizing exceptional customer service, including innovative amenities and attentive care.

Employee Focus

Creating opportunities and education for employees and their families.

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