Core Viewpoint - The resignation of Zhang Liandong as chairman of Yanghe Co., Ltd. marks a significant leadership change amid declining performance, with the company facing challenges in the competitive high-end liquor market [3][6][11]. Company Overview - Yanghe Co., Ltd. announced the resignation of chairman Zhang Liandong on July 1, 2023, due to work adjustments, with his term originally set to end in April 2027 [3][6]. - Zhang Liandong's tenure saw a turnaround in company performance, with revenue increasing from 253.50 billion CNY in 2021 to 331.3 billion CNY in 2023, and net profit exceeding 100 billion CNY for the first time [6][7]. - However, in 2024, Yanghe became the only top five A-share liquor company to experience declines in both revenue and profit, with a 12.83% drop in revenue to 288.76 billion CNY and a 33.37% decrease in net profit to 66.73 billion CNY [6][11]. Strategic Initiatives - During Zhang's leadership, Yanghe implemented a "dual famous liquor, multi-brand, multi-category" strategy, enhancing brand influence through various marketing initiatives [7]. - The company launched its first equity incentive plan in 2021, aiming to motivate management and align interests with long-term growth [7]. Leadership Transition - Gu Yu, the current district mayor of Suqian, has been appointed as the new party secretary of Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery Co., Ltd., indicating a continuation of leadership from a similar governmental background [8][10]. - Analysts suggest that Gu Yu is expected to take over as chairman, following a pattern of leadership transitions within the company [11]. Market Challenges - Yanghe faces structural pressures from both high-end competitors and a slowing overall consumption market, necessitating management optimization to enhance market responsiveness [11]. - Recommendations for Yanghe's future include revitalizing the "Shuanggou" brand, upgrading traditional sales channels, and improving talent acquisition and incentive mechanisms [11]. Stock Performance - As of July 7, 2023, Yanghe's stock closed at 64.8 CNY, with a total market capitalization of 976.18 billion CNY [12].

Core Viewpoint - The leadership change at Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery Co., Ltd. (Sujiu Group) reflects the local government's expectations for the company's future growth amid a challenging period for the liquor industry [1][14]. Leadership Transition - Gu Yu has been appointed as the new Party Secretary of Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery, succeeding Zhang Liandong, who resigned due to work adjustments [1][3]. - Zhang Liandong served as the chairman for four and a half years, during which he significantly increased the company's revenue from over 20 billion yuan in 2020 to over 30 billion yuan in 2023 [6][9]. Zhang Liandong's Tenure - Under Zhang's leadership, the company adopted a "dual famous liquor, multi-brand, multi-category" strategy, enhancing the revenue contribution from the dual brands Yanghe and Shuanggou [10][11]. - Zhang also focused on high-end product development, launching premium products priced up to 4,699 yuan and introducing a series of aged wines [12]. - The company engaged in international marketing and aimed for younger consumer demographics, launching new products and participating in global forums [13]. New Leadership Challenges - Gu Yu, also from the Suqian government system, faces significant expectations to navigate the company through the current downturn in the liquor industry [15][16]. - Key performance indicators for Gu will include maintaining market leadership in the liquor sector and expanding the company's presence in core markets [17]. Financial Strategies - Yanghe Brewery has committed to a three-year dividend plan, ensuring annual cash dividends of no less than 70% of the net profit attributable to shareholders, with a minimum of 7 billion yuan each year [18]. - The company has also initiated a mid-year dividend of 3.5 billion yuan, marking its first such distribution since its listing [18].

Core Viewpoint - Zhang Liandong has resigned from his positions at Jiangsu Yanghe Brewery Co., Ltd., marking a significant leadership change amid the company's performance challenges in the liquor industry [1][5]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Zhang Liandong applied for resignation from the board of directors, chairman, and various committee roles due to work adjustments, with his term originally set to end in April 2027 [1][2]. - The company has not disclosed information regarding Zhang's successor, stating that it will complete the necessary procedures for board elections promptly [5]. Group 2: Company Performance - Under Zhang's leadership, Yanghe's revenue grew significantly, reaching 25.35 billion yuan in 2021, a 20.14% increase, and surpassing 30 billion yuan in 2022, with 33.13 billion yuan in 2023 [2]. - However, the company faced a revenue decline of 12.83% in 2024, dropping to 28.88 billion yuan, and net profit fell over 30% to 6.67 billion yuan [3]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Yanghe has implemented a "dual famous liquor, multi-brand" strategy, focusing on three core growth areas: Yanghe, Shuanggou, and Guijiu, while enhancing its digital transformation and international expansion [3]. - The company is developing high-end products like the "Handmade Class" vintage liquor and has introduced two new high-line light bottle liquors aimed at the mass consumer market [3]. Group 4: Industry Context - The liquor industry is undergoing a deep adjustment phase, presenting challenges for Yanghe's successor in achieving growth amidst changing consumer preferences and market dynamics [7].