Zhang Yong on Leadership Transition

Zhang resumed the Haidilao CEO role, announced late Tuesday January 13, 2026, in what insiders called a 'second revolution' for the Hong Kong-listed company, aiming to revive profitability through an accelerated rollout of the 'Red Pomegranate Plan,' an initiative launched in 2024 to develop new restaurant brands beyond hot pot.

Sources familiar with the matter told Caixin that Zhang's return to the operational CEO role, after recent years focused on high-level strategy, was meant to quicken decision-making during a pivotal transition period for the company.

Zhang Yong's role is documented as: founder and Chairman of Haidilao; resumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in a leadership shake-up announced late January 13, 2026 Confirmed per Caixin Global's January 14, 2026 report that Zhang 'has resumed his role as chief executive officer,' with the change announced late the prior day, January 13, 2026 (research date: 2026-08-23).

Founded Haidilao and grew it into a leading Chinese hot pot chain before stepping back in recent years to focus on high-level strategy as chairman.

Resumed the CEO role on January 13, 2026, to lead an accelerated strategic overhaul, including the 'Red Pomegranate Plan' to diversify beyond hot pot.