首富再入凡尘

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the return of Zhang Yong as CEO of Haidilao, highlighting the challenges and strategies the company faces in a changing market environment, as well as the new leadership dynamics within the organization [10][25]. Group 1: Zhang Yong's Leadership Transition - Zhang Yong announced a ten-year succession plan in April 2020, expressing concerns about his ability to keep up with the company's growth and the need for a new leader [11][12]. - In March 2022, Zhang officially stepped down as CEO, with Yang Lijuan taking over, but the company faced significant financial losses, including a nearly 90% drop in net profit in 2020 and a loss of 4.136 billion yuan in 2021 [12][13]. - By early 2022, Haidilao's market value plummeted from 430 billion HKD to below 100 billion HKD, prompting Zhang to take responsibility for the company's direction [13][12]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Strategic Plans - The "Red Pomegranate Plan" aims to diversify Haidilao from a single hotpot brand into a multi-category restaurant group, leveraging its supply chain and management experience [15][20]. - Despite efforts to stabilize the company, recent financial reports indicate a decline in revenue, with a 3.66% drop in H1 2025 revenue compared to H1 2024, and a 9% decrease in core restaurant income [20][22]. - The company is facing challenges in maintaining profitability, with net profits decreasing for two consecutive years, indicating that previous cost-cutting measures may have reached their limits [20][22]. Group 3: Market Challenges and Brand Identity - The restaurant market has shifted, and the once-celebrated "Haidilao experience" is now seen as a product of a bygone era, struggling to adapt to a more competitive landscape [23][24]. - The company's service model, which relies heavily on high levels of customer service, is becoming less sustainable in a market that is increasingly saturated with competitors [23][24]. - Zhang Yong's return to the CEO position is seen as a move to regain control and address the operational challenges that have emerged during his absence [15][19]. Group 4: New Leadership Dynamics - Alongside Zhang Yong's return, four new female board members have been appointed, indicating a strategic shift towards a more diverse leadership team [25][26]. - These new leaders have extensive experience within Haidilao and are expected to help implement Zhang's vision while addressing operational challenges directly [25][27]. - The new leadership structure aims to enhance communication and execution of strategies across the company's extensive network of restaurants [27].