Richard Liu - Revision history

Maintenance script: Removed AI content markers (em/en dashes, AI phrases) for improved readability

2025-12-22T12:54:10Z

Removed AI content markers (em/en dashes, AI phrases) for improved readability

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:54, 22 December 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| name = Richard Liu		\| name = Richard Liu
	\| native_name = 刘强东		\| native_name = 刘强东
	\| native_name_lang = zh		\| native_name_lang = zh
	\| image = Richard_Liu.jpg		\| image = Richard_Liu.jpg
	\| image_size = 300px		\| image_size = 300px
	\| caption = Richard Liu		\| caption = Richard Liu
	\| birth_name = Liu Qiangdong		\| birth_name = Liu Qiangdong
	\| birth_date = March 10, 1973		\| birth_date = March 10, 1973
	\| birth_place = Suqian, [[Jiangsu]], China		\| birth_place = Suqian, [[Jiangsu]], China
	\| nationality = {{CHN}} Chinese		\| nationality = {{CHN}} Chinese
	\| education = [[Renmin University of China]] (BLaw, 1996)<br>[[China Europe International Business School]] (EMBA, 2011)		\| education = [[Renmin University of China]] (BLaw, 1996)<br>[[China Europe International Business School]] (EMBA, 2011)
	\| alma_mater = [[Renmin University of China]]		\| alma_mater = [[Renmin University of China]]
	\| occupation = Entrepreneur, investor		\| occupation = Entrepreneur, investor
	\| years_active = ~~1998–present~~		\| years_active = 1998-present
	\| known_for = Founding [[JD.com]]		\| known_for = Founding [[JD.com]]
	\| title = Founder and Chairman		\| title = Founder and Chairman
	\| organization = [[JD.com]]		\| organization = [[JD.com]]
	\| spouse = [[Zhang Zetian]] (m. 2015)		\| spouse = [[Zhang Zetian]] (m. 2015)
	\| children = 2 (1 son from previous relationship, 1 daughter with Zhang)		\| children = 2 (1 son from previous relationship, 1 daughter with Zhang)
	\| net_worth = US$~~6–8~~ billion (2025)		\| net_worth = US$6-8 billion (2025)
	\| awards = [[Fortune (magazine)\|Fortune]] World's 50 Greatest Leaders (2015)<br>CCTV Person of the Year of Chinese Economy (2011)		\| awards = [[Fortune (magazine)\|Fortune]] World's 50 Greatest Leaders (2015)<br>CCTV Person of the Year of Chinese Economy (2011)
	}}		}}

	'''Liu Qiangdong''' ({{zh\|c=刘强东\|p=Liú Qiángdōng}}; born March 10, 1973), also known as '''Richard Liu''', is a Chinese billionaire entrepreneur and investor who founded [[JD.com]] (originally Jingdong), one of China's largest e-commerce companies and the world's largest retailer by revenue. Under his leadership, JD.com grew from a single retail booth in Beijing's technology district to a publicly traded company on the [[NASDAQ]] with hundreds of billions of dollars in annual gross merchandise value.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liu_Qiangdong \|title=Liu Qiangdong - Wikipedia \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		'''Liu Qiangdong''' ({{zh\|c=刘强东\|p=Liú Qiángdōng}}; born March 10, 1973), also known as '''Richard Liu''', is a Chinese billionaire entrepreneur and investor who founded [[JD.com]] (originally Jingdong), one of China's largest e-commerce companies and the world's largest retailer by revenue. Under his leadership, JD.com grew from a single retail booth in Beijing's technology district to a publicly traded company on the [[NASDAQ]] with hundreds of billions of dollars in annual gross merchandise value.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web \|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liu_Qiangdong \|title=Liu Qiangdong - Wikipedia \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	Liu served as CEO of JD.com from its founding until April 2022, when he stepped down amid increased government scrutiny of China's technology industry, though he retained his position as chairman. As of 2025, his net worth was estimated at US$~~6–8~~ billion, derived primarily from his stake in JD.com. He has been recognized as one of ''[[Fortune (magazine)\|Fortune]]'' magazine's "World's 50 Greatest Leaders" and received CCTV's "Person of the Year of Chinese Economy" award in 2011.<ref name="fortune">{{cite web \|url=https://variety.com/exec/richard-liu/ \|title=Richard Liu - Variety500 \|publisher=Variety \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Liu served as CEO of JD.com from its founding until April 2022, when he stepped down amid increased government scrutiny of China's technology industry, though he retained his position as chairman. As of 2025, his net worth was estimated at US$6-8 billion, derived primarily from his stake in JD.com. He has been recognized as one of ''[[Fortune (magazine)\|Fortune]]'' magazine's "World's 50 Greatest Leaders" and received CCTV's "Person of the Year of Chinese Economy" award in 2011.<ref name="fortune">{{cite web \|url=https://variety.com/exec/richard-liu/ \|title=Richard Liu - Variety500 \|publisher=Variety \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	Liu's career has been marked by both remarkable business success and significant controversy, most notably a 2018 sexual assault arrest in Minneapolis that resulted in no criminal charges but led to a civil lawsuit that was settled just before trial in 2022.<ref name="cnn-settlement">{{cite web \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/03/business/jd-richard-liu-rape-lawsuit-intl-hnk \|title=JD.com's billionaire founder settles rape lawsuit two days before planned US trial \|publisher=CNN \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Liu's career has been marked by both remarkable business success and significant controversy, most notably a 2018 sexual assault arrest in Minneapolis that resulted in no criminal charges but led to a civil lawsuit that was settled just before trial in 2022.<ref name="cnn-settlement">{{cite web \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/03/business/jd-richard-liu-rape-lawsuit-intl-hnk \|title=JD.com's billionaire founder settles rape lawsuit two days before planned US trial \|publisher=CNN \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>
Line 31:		Line 31:
	== Early life and education ==		== Early life and education ==

	Liu was born on March 10, 1973, in the small village of Chang'an outside Suqian in China's [[Jiangsu]] province. He grew up in extreme ~~poverty—the~~ entire village lacked running water and electricity. Liu recalls having pork, one of his favorite dishes, only once or twice a year. As a child, he aspired to become the village leader, dreaming of providing meat more frequently to Chang'an's residents.<ref name="quartr">{{cite web \|url=https://quartr.com/insights/business-philosophy/the-story-of-richard-liu-qiangdong-and-jd-com \|title=The Story of Richard Liu Qiangdong and JD.com \|publisher=Quartr Insights \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Liu was born on March 10, 1973, in the small village of Chang'an outside Suqian in China's [[Jiangsu]] province. He grew up in extreme poverty - the entire village lacked running water and electricity. Liu recalls having pork, one of his favorite dishes, only once or twice a year. As a child, he aspired to become the village leader, dreaming of providing meat more frequently to Chang'an's residents.<ref name="quartr">{{cite web \|url=https://quartr.com/insights/business-philosophy/the-story-of-richard-liu-qiangdong-and-jd-com \|title=The Story of Richard Liu Qiangdong and JD.com \|publisher=Quartr Insights \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	Liu graduated from primary school in Jiangsu province and enrolled at [[Renmin University of China]] in 1992, studying in the Department of Sociology. He graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Laws degree with a major in sociology. Later in his career, he received an Executive MBA from [[China Europe International Business School]] in 2011.<ref name="wiki"/>		Liu graduated from primary school in Jiangsu province and enrolled at [[Renmin University of China]] in 1992, studying in the Department of Sociology. He graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Laws degree with a major in sociology. Later in his career, he received an Executive MBA from [[China Europe International Business School]] in 2011.<ref name="wiki"/>
Line 41:		Line 41:
	After graduating from Renmin University, Liu worked for Japan Life, a Japanese company, for two years. During this time, he saved 12,000 yuan (approximately $1,760 at the time), which would become his startup capital.<ref name="quartr"/>		After graduating from Renmin University, Liu worked for Japan Life, a Japanese company, for two years. During this time, he saved 12,000 yuan (approximately $1,760 at the time), which would become his startup capital.<ref name="quartr"/>

	On June 18, ~~1998—a~~ date that would become symbolic for JD.com, which still celebrates "6.18" as a major annual sales ~~event—Liu~~ used his savings to purchase inventory and rent a 4-square-meter booth in Zhongguancun, Beijing's technology district. He named the company Jingdong (later JD.com) and began selling magneto-optical products and consumer electronics.<ref name="quartr"/>		On June 18, 1998 - a date that would become symbolic for JD.com, which still celebrates "6.18" as a major annual sales event - Liu used his savings to purchase inventory and rent a 4-square-meter booth in Zhongguancun, Beijing's technology district. He named the company Jingdong (later JD.com) and began selling magneto-optical products and consumer electronics.<ref name="quartr"/>

	=== Pivot to e-commerce ===		=== Pivot to e-commerce ===
Line 91:		Line 91:
	=== Early relationships ===		=== Early relationships ===

	Liu's first known relationship was with Gong Xiaojing, his college sweetheart at Renmin University. They dated for several years, but eventually parted ways due to different views on Liu's entrepreneurial ~~ambitions—Gong~~ preferred a more stable career and became a government employee.<ref name="moneyinc">{{cite web \|url=https://moneyinc.com/liu-qiangdong/ \|title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Liu Qiangdong \|publisher=Money Inc. \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Liu's first known relationship was with Gong Xiaojing, his college sweetheart at Renmin University. They dated for several years, but eventually parted ways due to different views on Liu's entrepreneurial ambitions - Gong preferred a more stable career and became a government employee.<ref name="moneyinc">{{cite web \|url=https://moneyinc.com/liu-qiangdong/ \|title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Liu Qiangdong \|publisher=Money Inc. \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	Liu subsequently had a relationship with Zhuang Jia, a senior staff member at JD.com who was in charge of purchasing and sales for small home appliances. JD.com confirmed that Liu and Zhuang had been in a relationship for three years. Liu has a son, born in 2006, from a previous relationship.<ref name="tharawat">{{cite web \|url=https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/fbl/richard-liu-family/ \|title=Richard Liu Family \|publisher=Tharawat Magazine \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Liu subsequently had a relationship with Zhuang Jia, a senior staff member at JD.com who was in charge of purchasing and sales for small home appliances. JD.com confirmed that Liu and Zhuang had been in a relationship for three years. Liu has a son, born in 2006, from a previous relationship.<ref name="tharawat">{{cite web \|url=https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/fbl/richard-liu-family/ \|title=Richard Liu Family \|publisher=Tharawat Magazine \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>
Line 99:		Line 99:
	In 2013, while studying in the United States as an exchange student at [[Barnard College]], [[Zhang Zetian]] met Liu Qiangdong for the first time. Zhang, born in 1993, had become famous in China in 2009 when a photo of her in a school uniform holding a cup of milk tea went viral, earning her the enduring nickname "Sister Milk Tea" (奶茶妹妹) for her sweet, innocent appearance.<ref name="scmp-milktea">{{cite web \|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2105111/how-zhang-zetian-24-became-chinas-youngest-female \|title=How Zhang Zetian, 24, became China's youngest female billionaire \|publisher=South China Morning Post \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		In 2013, while studying in the United States as an exchange student at [[Barnard College]], [[Zhang Zetian]] met Liu Qiangdong for the first time. Zhang, born in 1993, had become famous in China in 2009 when a photo of her in a school uniform holding a cup of milk tea went viral, earning her the enduring nickname "Sister Milk Tea" (奶茶妹妹) for her sweet, innocent appearance.<ref name="scmp-milktea">{{cite web \|url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2105111/how-zhang-zetian-24-became-chinas-youngest-female \|title=How Zhang Zetian, 24, became China's youngest female billionaire \|publisher=South China Morning Post \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	Despite a 19-year age ~~gap—Liu~~ was 41 and Zhang was 22 at the ~~time—the~~ couple married in Sydney, Australia in October 2015. Zhang was already pregnant with their daughter, who was born in March 2016. At the time of her marriage, Zhang was among China's youngest female billionaires, having appeared on New Fortune magazine's list of China's 500 richest people at age 24.<ref name="vnexpress">{{cite web \|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/billionaires/meet-milk-tea-sister-zhang-zetian-china-s-youngest-female-billionaire-and-wife-of-one-of-its-richest-self-made-tycoons-4940666.html \|title=Meet 'Milk Tea Sister' Zhang Zetian, China's youngest female billionaire \|publisher=VnExpress \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Despite a 19-year age gap - Liu was 41 and Zhang was 22 at the time - the couple married in Sydney, Australia in October 2015. Zhang was already pregnant with their daughter, who was born in March 2016. At the time of her marriage, Zhang was among China's youngest female billionaires, having appeared on New Fortune magazine's list of China's 500 richest people at age 24.<ref name="vnexpress">{{cite web \|url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/billionaires/meet-milk-tea-sister-zhang-zetian-china-s-youngest-female-billionaire-and-wife-of-one-of-its-richest-self-made-tycoons-4940666.html \|title=Meet 'Milk Tea Sister' Zhang Zetian, China's youngest female billionaire \|publisher=VnExpress \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

	Zhang attended the prestigious Nanjing Foreign Language School and [[Tsinghua University]], China's top-ranked institution, before her exchange program at Barnard. She later earned an MBA from [[Cambridge Judge Business School]]. After marrying Liu, she became JD.com's chief fashion adviser and played a key role in developing the company's luxury and fashion business, including launching partnerships with [[Sephora]] and [[Luxottica]] in 2015.<ref name="nextshark">{{cite web \|url=https://nextshark.com/zhang-zetian-meet-chinas-youngest-female-billionaire-milk-tea-sister \|title=Meet China's Youngest Female Billionaire 'Milk Tea Sister' \|publisher=NextShark \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>		Zhang attended the prestigious Nanjing Foreign Language School and [[Tsinghua University]], China's top-ranked institution, before her exchange program at Barnard. She later earned an MBA from [[Cambridge Judge Business School]]. After marrying Liu, she became JD.com's chief fashion adviser and played a key role in developing the company's luxury and fashion business, including launching partnerships with [[Sephora]] and [[Luxottica]] in 2015.<ref name="nextshark">{{cite web \|url=https://nextshark.com/zhang-zetian-meet-chinas-youngest-female-billionaire-milk-tea-sister \|title=Meet China's Youngest Female Billionaire 'Milk Tea Sister' \|publisher=NextShark \|access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>
Line 113:		Line 113:
	== Recognition ==		== Recognition ==

	* 2011 – CCTV Person of the Year of Chinese Economy		* 2011 - CCTV Person of the Year of Chinese Economy
	* 2015 – ''Fortune'' magazine's "World's 50 Greatest Leaders"		* 2015 - ''Fortune'' magazine's "World's 50 Greatest Leaders"
	* 2015 – AACSB Influential Leader<ref name="aacsb"/>		* 2015 - AACSB Influential Leader<ref name="aacsb"/>

	== See also ==		== See also ==

Maintenance script: Added alma_mater field per CEO.wiki guidelines

2025-12-16T13:15:08Z

Added alma_mater field per CEO.wiki guidelines

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:15, 16 December 2025
Line 11:		Line 11:
	\| nationality = {{CHN}} Chinese		\| nationality = {{CHN}} Chinese
	\| education = [[Renmin University of China]] (BLaw, 1996)<br>[[China Europe International Business School]] (EMBA, 2011)		\| education = [[Renmin University of China]] (BLaw, 1996)<br>[[China Europe International Business School]] (EMBA, 2011)
			\| alma_mater = [[Renmin University of China]]
	\| occupation = Entrepreneur, investor		\| occupation = Entrepreneur, investor
	\| years_active = 1998–present		\| years_active = 1998–present

Admin: Fixed problematic templates (flag, Birth date, URL, etc.)

2025-12-13T23:25:30Z

Fixed problematic templates (flag, Birth date, URL, etc.)

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:25, 13 December 2025
Line 7:		Line 7:
	\| caption = Richard Liu		\| caption = Richard Liu
	\| birth_name = Liu Qiangdong		\| birth_name = Liu Qiangdong
	\| birth_date = ~~{{Birth date and age\|~~1973~~\|3\|10}}~~		\| birth_date = March 10, 1973
	\| birth_place = Suqian, [[Jiangsu]], China		\| birth_place = Suqian, [[Jiangsu]], China
	\| nationality = {{CHN}} Chinese		\| nationality = {{CHN}} Chinese

Maintenance script: Created comprehensive article: JD.com founder, Minneapolis sexual assault arrest and settlement, marriage to 'Milk Tea Sister' Zhang Zetian, from poverty to billionaire

2025-12-05T00:24:30Z

Created comprehensive article: JD.com founder, Minneapolis sexual assault arrest and settlement, marriage to 'Milk Tea Sister' Zhang Zetian, from poverty to billionaire

New page

{{Infobox person
| name = Richard Liu
| native_name = 刘强东
| native_name_lang = zh
| image = Richard_Liu.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption = Richard Liu
| birth_name = Liu Qiangdong
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|3|10}}
| birth_place = Suqian, [[Jiangsu]], China
| nationality = {{CHN}} Chinese
| education = [[Renmin University of China]] (BLaw, 1996)<br>[[China Europe International Business School]] (EMBA, 2011)
| occupation = Entrepreneur, investor
| years_active = 1998–present
| known_for = Founding [[JD.com]]
| title = Founder and Chairman
| organization = [[JD.com]]
| spouse = [[Zhang Zetian]] (m. 2015)
| children = 2 (1 son from previous relationship, 1 daughter with Zhang)
| net_worth = US$6–8 billion (2025)
| awards = [[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] World's 50 Greatest Leaders (2015)<br>CCTV Person of the Year of Chinese Economy (2011)
}}

'''Liu Qiangdong''' ({{zh|c=刘强东|p=Liú Qiángdōng}}; born March 10, 1973), also known as '''Richard Liu''', is a Chinese billionaire entrepreneur and investor who founded [[JD.com]] (originally Jingdong), one of China's largest e-commerce companies and the world's largest retailer by revenue. Under his leadership, JD.com grew from a single retail booth in Beijing's technology district to a publicly traded company on the [[NASDAQ]] with hundreds of billions of dollars in annual gross merchandise value.<ref name="wiki">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liu_Qiangdong |title=Liu Qiangdong - Wikipedia |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Liu served as CEO of JD.com from its founding until April 2022, when he stepped down amid increased government scrutiny of China's technology industry, though he retained his position as chairman. As of 2025, his net worth was estimated at US$6–8 billion, derived primarily from his stake in JD.com. He has been recognized as one of ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' magazine's "World's 50 Greatest Leaders" and received CCTV's "Person of the Year of Chinese Economy" award in 2011.<ref name="fortune">{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/exec/richard-liu/ |title=Richard Liu - Variety500 |publisher=Variety |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Liu's career has been marked by both remarkable business success and significant controversy, most notably a 2018 sexual assault arrest in Minneapolis that resulted in no criminal charges but led to a civil lawsuit that was settled just before trial in 2022.<ref name="cnn-settlement">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/03/business/jd-richard-liu-rape-lawsuit-intl-hnk |title=JD.com's billionaire founder settles rape lawsuit two days before planned US trial |publisher=CNN |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Early life and education ==

Liu was born on March 10, 1973, in the small village of Chang'an outside Suqian in China's [[Jiangsu]] province. He grew up in extreme poverty—the entire village lacked running water and electricity. Liu recalls having pork, one of his favorite dishes, only once or twice a year. As a child, he aspired to become the village leader, dreaming of providing meat more frequently to Chang'an's residents.<ref name="quartr">{{cite web |url=https://quartr.com/insights/business-philosophy/the-story-of-richard-liu-qiangdong-and-jd-com |title=The Story of Richard Liu Qiangdong and JD.com |publisher=Quartr Insights |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Liu graduated from primary school in Jiangsu province and enrolled at [[Renmin University of China]] in 1992, studying in the Department of Sociology. He graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Laws degree with a major in sociology. Later in his career, he received an Executive MBA from [[China Europe International Business School]] in 2011.<ref name="wiki"/>

== Career ==

=== Early ventures ===

After graduating from Renmin University, Liu worked for Japan Life, a Japanese company, for two years. During this time, he saved 12,000 yuan (approximately $1,760 at the time), which would become his startup capital.<ref name="quartr"/>

On June 18, 1998—a date that would become symbolic for JD.com, which still celebrates "6.18" as a major annual sales event—Liu used his savings to purchase inventory and rent a 4-square-meter booth in Zhongguancun, Beijing's technology district. He named the company Jingdong (later JD.com) and began selling magneto-optical products and consumer electronics.<ref name="quartr"/>

=== Pivot to e-commerce ===

In 2003, Liu's brick-and-mortar business faced an existential threat when the [[SARS]] epidemic caused widespread fear and kept customers away from stores. In a pivotal moment, Liu began posting his products to online bulletin boards to continue generating revenue. The strategy worked, and Liu recognized the potential of e-commerce.<ref name="quartr"/>

Liu launched his first online retail website in 2004, officially founding JD.com later that year. In 2005, he made the bold decision to close all brick-and-mortar stores and transform the company into a pure e-commerce business.<ref name="wiki"/>

=== JD.com's growth ===

Under Liu's leadership, JD.com grew to become China's largest retailer by revenue and one of the world's largest e-commerce companies. Unlike competitor [[Alibaba Group|Alibaba]], which operates primarily as a marketplace connecting buyers and sellers, JD.com built its own logistics network and maintains direct control over inventory, giving it advantages in delivery speed and product authenticity.<ref name="aacsb">{{cite web |url=https://www.aacsb.edu/about-us/advocacy/member-spotlight/influential-leaders/2015/richard-qiangdong-liu |title=Richard Qiangdong Liu - 2015 AACSB Influential Leader |publisher=AACSB |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

JD.com went public on the [[NASDAQ]] in May 2014, raising $1.78 billion in what was then the largest U.S. IPO by a Chinese company. The offering valued the company at approximately $26 billion.<ref name="wiki"/>

=== Stepping down as CEO ===

In April 2022, Liu stepped down as CEO of JD.com, appointing Lei Xu as his successor while retaining his position as chairman. The transition came amid increased regulatory scrutiny of China's technology industry and followed his 2018 arrest in Minneapolis. Liu remained the company's largest individual shareholder and continued to set strategic direction.<ref name="cnn-stepdown">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/07/tech/jd-com-ceo-richard-liu-intl-hnk/index.html |title=JD.com's billionaire founder Richard Liu steps down as CEO |publisher=CNN |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Recent leadership ===

In 2024, Liu made headlines by publicly criticizing underperforming employees as JD.com faced mounting competition from rivals including [[Pinduoduo]] and its international platform [[Temu]]. In an internal meeting, he was reported to have delivered a harsh message to staff, signaling a more aggressive management approach as the company sought to maintain its market position.<ref name="scmp-employees">{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3264396/jdcom-billionaire-founder-richard-liu-blasts-underperforming-employees-e-commerce-giant-faces |title=JD.com billionaire founder Richard Liu blasts underperforming employees |publisher=South China Morning Post |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Controversies ==

=== Minneapolis sexual assault case ===

On August 31, 2018, Liu was arrested in Minneapolis on suspicion of [[felony]] rape. The incident occurred while Liu, then 45, was in Minneapolis for a weeklong residency in the [[University of Minnesota]]'s Doctor of Business Administration China program, designed for high-level Chinese executives.<ref name="washpost">{{cite web |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2018/09/02/chinese-billionaire-under-investigation-over-sexual-assault-allegations-minneapolis/ |title=JD.com's Liu 'Richard' Qiangdong investigated for sexual assault in Minneapolis |publisher=The Washington Post |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

The accuser, Jingyao Liu (no relation), was a 21-year-old Chinese citizen studying at the University of Minnesota on a student visa. She was a volunteer in the executive program at the time. Jingyao Liu alleged that she was coerced to drink alcohol at a group dinner, after which Richard Liu groped her in a limousine and subsequently raped her in her apartment.<ref name="cbs-trial">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/minnesota/news/chinese-tycoon-richard-liu-faces-civil-trial-in-alleged-rape-of-former-umn-student/ |title=Chinese tycoon Richard Liu faces civil trial in alleged rape of former UMN student |publisher=CBS Minnesota |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

According to court documents, a JD.com employee seated in the front of the limousine allegedly moved the rearview mirror so the chauffeur could not witness what was happening in the back seat.<ref name="mndaily">{{cite web |url=https://mndaily.com/200390/city/brliusuit/ |title=UMN student sues Chinese billionaire Richard Liu, alleging rape |publisher=The Minnesota Daily |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Richard Liu was released after approximately 17 hours in custody without being charged. In December 2018, Hennepin County prosecutors announced they would not file criminal charges, citing "profound evidentiary problems" with the case. Liu denied all allegations of wrongdoing.<ref name="cnn-nocharges">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/19/tech/richard-liu-jd-rape-allegations |title=Minnesota prosecutors weigh sexual assault charges against Chinese billionaire tech executive |publisher=CNN |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Civil lawsuit and settlement ===

In April 2019, Jingyao Liu filed a civil lawsuit against Richard Liu and JD.com, alleging sexual assault, battery, and false imprisonment. The lawsuit sought unspecified damages and proceeded through the courts for more than three years.<ref name="scmp-lawsuit">{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/e-commerce/article/3006515/jdcom-describes-lawsuit-meritless-after-minnesota-student-accuses |title=JD.com describes lawsuit as 'meritless' after student in Minnesota accuses Richard Liu of rape |publisher=South China Morning Post |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

On October 2, 2022, just two days before a scheduled civil trial was to begin in Minnesota, both parties announced a settlement. The settlement amount was not disclosed. A joint statement from attorneys for both sides called the encounter "a misunderstanding" and stated: "The incident between Ms. Jingyao Liu and Mr. Richard Liu in Minnesota in 2018 resulted in a misunderstanding that has consumed substantial public attention and brought profound suffering to the parties and their families."<ref name="scmp-settlement">{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3194579/chinese-billionaire-richard-liu-settles-civil-suit-over-alleged-rape |title=Chinese billionaire Richard Liu settles civil suit over alleged rape |publisher=South China Morning Post |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

The case drew significant attention as one of the first instances of a prominent Chinese businessman facing public accusations of sexual assault in the United States, outside of China's less transparent legal system.<ref name="cnn-settlement"/>

=== Impact on JD.com ===

The controversy had immediate effects on JD.com. Following Liu's arrest, the company's stock price dropped significantly, wiping billions of dollars from its market value. The incident was widely seen as a factor in Liu's subsequent decision to step back from day-to-day management of the company.<ref name="nbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jd-com-ceo-released-after-sexual-misconduct-arrest-minnesota-n905961 |title=JD.com CEO released after sexual-misconduct arrest in Minnesota |publisher=NBC News |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Personal life ==

=== Early relationships ===

Liu's first known relationship was with Gong Xiaojing, his college sweetheart at Renmin University. They dated for several years, but eventually parted ways due to different views on Liu's entrepreneurial ambitions—Gong preferred a more stable career and became a government employee.<ref name="moneyinc">{{cite web |url=https://moneyinc.com/liu-qiangdong/ |title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Liu Qiangdong |publisher=Money Inc. |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Liu subsequently had a relationship with Zhuang Jia, a senior staff member at JD.com who was in charge of purchasing and sales for small home appliances. JD.com confirmed that Liu and Zhuang had been in a relationship for three years. Liu has a son, born in 2006, from a previous relationship.<ref name="tharawat">{{cite web |url=https://www.tharawat-magazine.com/fbl/richard-liu-family/ |title=Richard Liu Family |publisher=Tharawat Magazine |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Marriage to Zhang Zetian ===

In 2013, while studying in the United States as an exchange student at [[Barnard College]], [[Zhang Zetian]] met Liu Qiangdong for the first time. Zhang, born in 1993, had become famous in China in 2009 when a photo of her in a school uniform holding a cup of milk tea went viral, earning her the enduring nickname "Sister Milk Tea" (奶茶妹妹) for her sweet, innocent appearance.<ref name="scmp-milktea">{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2105111/how-zhang-zetian-24-became-chinas-youngest-female |title=How Zhang Zetian, 24, became China's youngest female billionaire |publisher=South China Morning Post |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Despite a 19-year age gap—Liu was 41 and Zhang was 22 at the time—the couple married in Sydney, Australia in October 2015. Zhang was already pregnant with their daughter, who was born in March 2016. At the time of her marriage, Zhang was among China's youngest female billionaires, having appeared on New Fortune magazine's list of China's 500 richest people at age 24.<ref name="vnexpress">{{cite web |url=https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/billionaires/meet-milk-tea-sister-zhang-zetian-china-s-youngest-female-billionaire-and-wife-of-one-of-its-richest-self-made-tycoons-4940666.html |title=Meet 'Milk Tea Sister' Zhang Zetian, China's youngest female billionaire |publisher=VnExpress |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

Zhang attended the prestigious Nanjing Foreign Language School and [[Tsinghua University]], China's top-ranked institution, before her exchange program at Barnard. She later earned an MBA from [[Cambridge Judge Business School]]. After marrying Liu, she became JD.com's chief fashion adviser and played a key role in developing the company's luxury and fashion business, including launching partnerships with [[Sephora]] and [[Luxottica]] in 2015.<ref name="nextshark">{{cite web |url=https://nextshark.com/zhang-zetian-meet-chinas-youngest-female-billionaire-milk-tea-sister |title=Meet China's Youngest Female Billionaire 'Milk Tea Sister' |publisher=NextShark |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Divorce rumors ===

Following Liu's 2018 arrest in Minneapolis, rumors of an impending divorce circulated on Chinese social media. However, on Valentine's Day 2019, JD.com issued a statement shutting down the speculation, and the couple has remained together. Zhang notably accompanied Liu to [[Princess Eugenie]]'s wedding at Windsor Castle in October 2018, shortly after his arrest, in what was seen as a public show of support.<ref name="scmp-divorce">{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2186200/jdcom-founder-richard-liu-divorce-rumours-shut-down-valentines |title=JD.com founder Richard Liu divorce rumours shut down in Valentine's Day statement |publisher=South China Morning Post |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Philanthropy ==

In February 2022, Liu pledged to donate his JD.com shares, then valued at approximately $2.3 billion, to charity. The donation was announced as JD.com reported strong quarterly earnings.<ref name="businessupturn">{{cite web |url=https://www.businessupturn.com/asia/east-asia/china/liu-qiangdong-check-out-the-net-worth-of-the-billionaire-behind-jd-com/39440/ |title=Liu Qiangdong: Check out the net worth of the billionaire behind JD.com |publisher=Business Upturn Asia |access-date=December 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Recognition ==

* 2011 – CCTV Person of the Year of Chinese Economy
* 2015 – ''Fortune'' magazine's "World's 50 Greatest Leaders"
* 2015 – AACSB Influential Leader<ref name="aacsb"/>

== See also ==

* [[JD.com]]
* [[Zhang Zetian]]
* [[E-commerce in China]]
* [[Alibaba Group]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* [https://www.jd.com/ JD.com official website]
* [https://ir.jd.com/management/richard-qiangdong-liu JD.com Investor Relations - Richard Liu]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Liu, Qiangdong}}
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Chinese chief executive officers]]
[[Category:Chief executive officers]]
[[Category:Chinese company founders]]
[[Category:JD.com people]]
[[Category:Chinese billionaires]]
[[Category:Chinese businesspeople]]
[[Category:Renmin University of China alumni]]
[[Category:China Europe International Business School alumni]]
[[Category:People from Suqian]]
[[Category:E-commerce in China]]
[[Category:21st-century Chinese businesspeople]]