Liu Yonghao
Liu Yonghao | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1952 China |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder and chairman of New Hope Group |
Liu Yonghao (; born 1952) is a prominent Chinese entrepreneur in the agribusiness sector, recognized as the founder and chairman of New Hope, the leading animal feed manufacturer in China. His business ventures also extend into the banking industry. According to Forbes China, Liu was ranked as the 19th wealthiest individual in the country as of 2019.
Early life
Initially, Liu worked as a technical school instructor. In 1982, he and his three brothers left their government positions to begin raising quails and chickens for farmers in Sichuan province. A decade later, in 1992, they launched the Hope Group, entering the animal feed market, which by 2010 had grown into China’s largest company within that sector.
Career
Liu played a key role in founding China Minsheng Bank and held a 7% ownership stake as of 2011. During that year, he served as vice-chairman of China Minsheng Bank while also acting as chairman of New Hope Group. The 2010 edition of Forbes placed him 21st among China's richest individuals, with an estimated net worth of $3 billion.
In 2011, Liu dedicated efforts toward developing agricultural cooperatives aimed at modernizing smallholder farms. He established around 100 such cooperatives and supported companies that helped farmers secure financing.
By 2012, Fortune recognized him as one of 15 influential business figures who shaped China's economic landscape. In 2013, leadership of New Hope Liuhe—one of the country’s largest agribusiness enterprises—was passed to his daughter Liu Chang.
Liu is also involved with the Sino-Australia 100-Year Agricultural and Food Safety Partnership (ASA 100). As of 2021, his wealth was estimated by Forbes at $12.1 billion.
Personal life
His elder brother is Liu Yongxing. Liu Yonghao has one daughter.