Chris Xu (entrepreneur)
Chris Xu | |
|---|---|
| Born | China |
| Other names | Sky Xu, Xu Yangtian |
| Occupation | Business leader |
| Known for | Creator of Shein |
Chris Xu, who is also referred to as Sky Xu and Xu Yangtian, is a Chinese-Singaporean business leader and the creator of the e-commerce fashion brand Shein. Recognized for his discreet demeanor, Xu seldom makes public appearances.
Biography
Originating from a modest background in Shandong province, Xu pursued higher education at Qingdao University of Science and Technology. Other reports suggest he holds citizenships in China, the United States, and Singapore, and attended George Washington University. According to Shein, his birthplace is China. Following his studies, Xu gained experience in marketing and search engine optimization, focusing on expanding sales of Chinese goods to international markets.
In 2008, together with Wang Xiaohu and Li Peng, Xu co-established Nanjing Dianwei Information Technology, which is regarded as a forerunner to Shein. The company launched SheInside in 2011 based in Nanjing, initially specializing in bridal wear before transitioning into what is now Shein. Xu's former partners accused him of marginalizing them, assuming control over company PayPal accounts, and withdrawing from office duties; these allegations were denied by Xu and Shein, who also issued threats of legal proceedings.
By 2015, Xu moved the firm’s headquarters from Nanjing to Guangzhou, enabling Shein’s international growth. In February 2022, both Xu and Shein shifted their legal base to Singapore. During that year, Shein reached a valuation of $100 billion.
Personal life
As reported by Forbes in July 2025, Xu's estimated net worth stands at $9.1 billion.