Billionaire Profile
Z
Global Rank
#481

Image: Richard, Reverend | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zong Fuli

CEO, Beverages
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.737B
Estimated based on Beverages stock value as of April 21, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
44
Source
Beverages
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Zong Fuli, also known as Kelly, is the daughter of Zong Qinghou, the founder of Hangzhou Wahaha Group, China's largest beverage producer. Inheriting her father's stake in 2024, she currently has an estimated net worth of 7.7 billion. Zong's career began within Wahaha, starting on the factory floor and rising through the ranks, including a role as president of Hongsheng Beverage Group. Her achievements include leading Hongsheng to become a significant entity with a focus on F&B industry, and spearheading brand building projects within Wahaha. Zong's story reflects her dedication to her father's legacy and her ongoing efforts to innovate within the beverage industry.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zong Fuli, also known as Kelly, was born in China. When she was 14, she went to the United States to pursue her education. She attended San Marino High School and later earned a degree in international business from Pepperdine University in Malibu.

Rise to Success

After graduating from Pepperdine University, Zong returned to China and joined the family business in 2004, starting on the factory floor. She subsequently rose through the ranks, holding various positions within the company, including the deputy director of the management committee, general manager of Hangzhou Wahaha Children's Clothing Company, and president of Hongsheng Beverage Group. During her time leading Hongsheng, she expanded the business to become a major chain and service provider in the F&B industry. In December 2021, she became vice chairman and general manager of Wahaha Group. After the death of her father, she became chairman and CEO of Wahaha Group.

Key Business Strategies

Zong Fuli has demonstrated a focus on innovation, with initiatives such as the KellyOne personalized beverages. She also spearheaded projects, including high-end tea beverages for the overseas market. As the head of Hongsheng Beverage Group, she led the establishment of the entire industrial chain, covering areas such as food source ingredients, high-end equipment manufacturing, printing and packaging, and beverage production. Her strategy has involved expanding the company’s portfolio with sugar-free and tea-based beverages. After her father's death, a shareholder dispute led to her resignation as vice chair and CEO in July 2024. A week later, she was reinstated as chairman and CEO.

Philanthropy

Details on specific philanthropy amounts are not available with the current search results.

Career Milestones

2004

Joined Wahaha Group

Began working at the company after graduating from Pepperdine University, starting on the factory floor and working in the Xiasha production base in Hangzhou.

2007

President of Hongsheng Beverage Group

Led Hongsheng to become a significant chain and service provider in the F&B industry.

2018

Director of Brand Public Relations

Took on the role of director of the brand public relations department of Wahaha Group.

2021

Vice Chairman and General Manager of Wahaha Group

Appointed Vice Chairman and General Manager of Wahaha Group, responsible for the company's daily work.

2024

Chairman and CEO of Wahaha Group

Took over the leadership of Wahaha Group after the death of her father.

2025

Resigned as Chairman and CEO of Wahaha Group

Resigned from her positions, retaining her 29.4% stake.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Unknown

Philanthropic work

Undisclosed

Information about specific philanthropic initiatives is not available.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

""My father taught me to endure hardship. But what I want to figure out is: why do we always have to endure hardship?""

Leadership Principles

Focus on innovation

Introduced innovative initiatives such as KellyOne personalized beverages.

Consolidation of control

Consolidated formal control, particularly by transferring production contracts and sales channels.

Controversies & Challenges

2025

Shareholder Dispute

Faced shareholder disputes over her leadership, leading to a resignation and subsequent reinstatement.

2025

Inheritance Dispute

Facing an inheritance dispute with alleged half-siblings.