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].