Billionaire Profile
Zong Fuli
Global Rank
#503

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zong Fuli

CEO, Hangzhou Wahaha Group
CN
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.5B
As of December 2025
Age
43
Source
Beverages
Industry
food-beverage
Citizenship
CN

Biography

Zong Fuli, also known as Kelly Zong, is the current chairwoman and CEO of the Hangzhou Wahaha Group, China's largest beverage producer. Born in China and educated at Pepperdine University in the United States, she inherited her position after the death of her father, Zong Qinghou, the founder of Wahaha. Her career within the Wahaha Group began in 2004, where she led marketing and public relations. Zong Fuli's net worth is estimated at $7.5 billion as of December 5, 2025, and her source of wealth is from beverages. She has faced challenges, including an inheritance dispute with alleged half-siblings.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zong Fuli, also known as Kelly Zong, is the daughter of Zong Qinghou, the founder of the Hangzhou Wahaha Group. She spent her teenage years in the United States and pursued her education at San Marino High School and Pepperdine University, in Malibu, where she studied international business.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Zong returned to China in 2004, joining the family business. She started by working in the Management Committee of Xiaoshan No. 2 Base. She later established the Hongsheng Beverage Group, which transformed into a large group with over 20 branches. In 2021, she became Vice Chairman and General Manager of Wahaha Group, and in 2024, she was appointed as chairwoman and CEO following her father's death. However, she resigned from the position in September 2025.

Key Business Strategies

Zong has focused on expanding Wahaha's product portfolio with sugar-free and tea-based beverages. She also led brand-building projects contributing to the upgrade of Wahaha.

Philanthropy

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Career Milestones

2004

Joined Wahaha Group

Began working in marketing and public relations.

2007

Established Hongsheng Beverage Group

Led Hongsheng to grow into a significant enterprise.

2021

Vice Chairman and General Manager of Wahaha Group

Assumed a leadership role in the family business.

2024

Chairman and CEO of Wahaha Group

Took over leadership of Wahaha after her father's death.

2025

Resigned as Chairman and CEO

Resigned from the position after a shareholder dispute

Philanthropy & Social Impact

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$XB

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Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

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Leadership Principles

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Controversies & Challenges

2025

Inheritance Dispute

Facing a lawsuit in Hong Kong from alleged half-siblings over the inheritance of assets, including a $2.1 billion trust.

2024

Shareholder Dispute

Briefly stepped down as CEO and chairman due to shareholder concerns.