Wu Yajun
Wu Yajun | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1964 Chongqing, China |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businesswoman |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Known for | Co-founder and chairwoman of Longfor Properties |
Wu Yajun (; born 1964) is a prominent Chinese billionaire entrepreneur, recognized as the co-founder, chairwoman, and former chief executive officer of Longfor Properties. Previously acknowledged as the wealthiest self-made woman globally, she shifted her career focus from journalism to real estate during the 1990s and subsequently made strategic investments in technology companies such as Uber and Evernote. As of April 2021, her net worth is approximated at US$18.3 billion.
Early life
Wu was born in 1964 in Chongqing into a modest family. She completed her studies at the Department of Navigation Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University in 1984.
Career
From 1984 to 1988, Wu was employed at Qianwei Meter Factory before transitioning to a role as journalist and editor at China Shirong News Agency from 1988 until 1993. Through this position, she developed significant connections within governmental and commercial sectors due to the agency’s link with Chongqing’s Construction Bureau.
In 1995, together with her then-husband Cai Kui, Wu established Chongqing Zhongjianke Real Estate Co Ltd with an initial capital of 10 million yuan; this enterprise was later rebranded as Longfor Properties. The firm experienced rapid expansion beyond Chongqing, extending its operations to key Chinese cities including Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Changzhou, and Dalian. Wu became part of the alumni network of the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business in 2007. In 2009, Longfor Properties launched its initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, drawing investment from notable entities such as Singapore’s government, Ping An Insurance, and Temasek Holdings.
Wu continues to serve as chairwoman and held the CEO position until 2011.
Wealth
Her financial assets are managed through Wu Capital, founded in 2013, which has placed investments in technology ventures including Uber and Evernote. She is ranked as the third wealthiest woman in China and held the 22nd position overall on the 2013 Hurun Report China Rich List. In 2012, Wu was recognized as China’s richest woman and ranked fifth among all individuals but ceded this status to Yang Huiyan following her divorce from Cai Kui. By March 2013, she was listed as the world’s 299th richest individual and appeared among Forbes’ top 50 Power Women with a net worth of US$4.4 billion. Additionally, she is a delegate to the National People's Congress. In 2014, Forbes positioned her as the 41st most influential woman globally. According to a March 2019 report by Barron's, Wu reclaimed her title as the world’s richest self-made woman after a seven-year interval.
Personal life
Following her divorce from Cai Kui in 2012, Wu’s ownership stake in Longfor Properties decreased to 45%, while Cai retained a 30% share. This adjustment led to her losing the distinction of China’s richest woman to Yang Huiyan. Wu is a mother of one child.