Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-09-06 13:44Core Viewpoint - The departure of Cai Jingxian, known as "Duolong," marks a significant shift in Alibaba's leadership and reflects the changing dynamics within the tech industry, particularly regarding the role of technical talent versus management positions [1][7][9]. Group 1: Duolong's Contributions - Duolong joined Alibaba in 2000 and was a key figure in the development of Taobao, being one of the first three engineers who built the platform [3]. - He was responsible for the development and maintenance of Taobao's search engine for four years, showcasing his technical prowess and problem-solving abilities [3][5]. - Duolong was recognized for his exceptional coding skills, often referred to as a "god" in the tech community, and was known for his intense focus on coding [5][9]. Group 2: Changes in Alibaba's Partnership - The number of Alibaba's partners has decreased from a peak of 38 to 17, indicating a significant restructuring within the company [7]. - This year, several long-standing partners, including key figures like Peng Lei and Zhang Yong, have exited, leading to a younger partner team [7][9]. - The current partner team includes younger leaders, with the youngest being Jiang Fan at 39 years old, reflecting a shift towards a more youthful leadership [9]. Group 3: Symbolic Significance of Departure - Duolong's exit symbolizes the end of an era for pure technical talent in top positions within Chinese internet companies, as he was one of the last to achieve a high rank without transitioning to management [9]. - His refusal to take on management roles and preference for coding until retirement raises questions about the future of technical careers in the industry [9][11]. - Duolong's legacy continues through Taobao, which remains a vital platform for millions of users, demonstrating the lasting impact of his contributions [11].