Shein founder and CEO Sky Xu is drawing fresh attention as the fast-fashion giant prepares for its Hong Kong listing, offering rare details about the executive who has remained largely away from public view.
Shein’s draft prospectus revealed that Xu, 42, has served as chairman, executive director and CEO since the company was founded. The filing did not mention former executive chairman Donald Tang, who previously represented the company during its earlier listing attempts in New York and London.
The Hong Kong IPO marks Shein’s third attempt to go public and could value the company at up to US$50 billion.
Founded in China in 2012 as Sheinside, Shein has grown into a global fashion retailer, but Xu has avoided interviews and public appearances. The company’s website also provides limited information about its ownership and leadership.
According to the prospectus, Xu was born in Zibo, China and graduated in international trade from Qingdao University of Technology in 2007. He co-founded Shein with Maggie Gu, Molly Miao and Tony Ren after previously working together in search engine marketing services for exporters.
A source familiar with Xu described him as patient, modest and pragmatic, saying he remains closely involved in Shein’s daily operations despite the company’s global scale.
Shein moved its headquarters to Singapore in 2022, although its supplier network and warehouses remain largely in China. The company’s low-profile approach has helped it avoid attention, with sources saying Xu may be seeking to minimise regulatory risks following China’s crackdown on major technology firms in recent years.
Reuters
