Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2026-01-09 06:14Core Viewpoint - The retirement of Yu Liang marks a significant transition for Vanke, as he has been a pivotal figure in the company's evolution over the past 35 years, leading it through various phases of growth and challenges [2][6][15]. Group 1: Yu Liang's Career and Contributions - Yu Liang submitted his resignation due to reaching retirement age, effective January 8, 2026, after 35 years with Vanke [2]. - He joined Vanke in 1990 when the real estate sector was not yet a popular investment, and he played a crucial role in the company's shift towards real estate specialization [3]. - Initially not the chosen successor by Wang Shi, Yu Liang's strategic thinking and financial acumen eventually led to his appointment as CEO in 2001, succeeding Yao Mumin [4][5]. - Under his leadership, Vanke achieved significant milestones, including becoming the first real estate company to surpass 200 billion yuan in sales in 2014 [6]. Group 2: Market Position and Strategic Shifts - Yu Liang's tenure saw Vanke's sales grow from 35 billion yuan in 2004 to over 600 billion yuan by 2018, with a compound annual growth rate of 36% during a three-year period [7]. - He introduced the concept of the "Silver Age" for the real estate industry, indicating a shift from rapid growth to a more cautious approach [7]. - Despite achieving record sales, Yu Liang warned of the need to "survive" during market downturns, a sentiment that became increasingly relevant as the industry faced challenges [8]. Group 3: Financial Challenges and Debt Issues - Vanke's financial performance deteriorated significantly in recent years, with a 45.7% drop in net profit in 2021, marking the third decline in 31 years [8]. - The company faced a substantial loss of 49.48 billion yuan in 2024, primarily due to high land acquisition costs and increased debt interest expenses [8]. - Vanke's debt situation became critical, with the company needing to restructure its debts and facing a peak repayment period in the coming years [13][14].