Huan Qiu Lao Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-29 12:43Core Viewpoint - The announcement of Lin Bin, Xiaomi's co-founder and vice chairman, to sell up to $5 billion of Class B shares annually starting December 2026, has raised concerns in the capital market, leading to a decline in Xiaomi's stock price and market capitalization [1][2]. Group 1: Lin Bin's Role and Contributions - Lin Bin, known as Xiaomi's "number two" and a key figure in its founding, has played a significant role in the company's development, including talent acquisition and operational management [5][6]. - He was instrumental in Xiaomi's early success, particularly in e-commerce, leading to record sales of 211 million smartphones in 2015 [6][7]. - Lin Bin's strategic pivot to offline channels in 2016 helped Xiaomi recover from a significant drop in online sales [2][6]. Group 2: Changes in Management and Lin Bin's Exit - Since 2019, Lin Bin has gradually stepped back from frontline roles, resigning from positions such as president and mobile division head, with new leaders taking over [3][4]. - The shift in management coincided with Xiaomi's strategic focus on electric vehicles and a broader ecosystem approach, with Lin Bin becoming less visible in company operations [3][4]. Group 3: Stock Sales and Financial Impact - Lin Bin has been reducing his stake in Xiaomi since 2019, with significant sales totaling approximately HKD 85 billion, indicating a trend of divestment [4][8]. - As of mid-2025, Lin Bin holds 2.33 billion shares, representing 8.95% of Xiaomi's total shares, making him the second-largest shareholder after Lei Jun [4][8]. Group 4: Background and Early Career - Lin Bin's impressive background includes roles at Microsoft and Google, where he contributed to numerous technology advancements before co-founding Xiaomi in 2010 [8][9]. - His decision to join Xiaomi was influenced by Lei Jun's vision and the potential of the internet sales model, leading to a significant personal investment in the company [10].