Wei Jianjun’s life illustrates the trajectory of a visionary entrepreneur who, despite his modest origins, revolutionized the automotive industry in China.

Wei Jianjun began his career far from the spotlights, in a family with no particular ties to the automotive world. At the age of 25, he invested all his savings to open a small auto repair shop. It was the beginning of an impressive and innovative career in a rapidly growing Chinese automotive market.

In the early 1990s, Wei Jianjun took a significant step by taking control of Great Wall Motors (GWM), a struggling state-owned enterprise at the time. Under his leadership, GWM transitioned from producing simple trucks to a leader in China’s SUV and pickup market, anticipating an increasing demand for these segments.

The entrepreneur invested heavily in research and development, opening several centers focused on new technologies, electric vehicles, and autonomous driving around the world, notably in China, Japan, the United States, and Germany. This allowed GWM to develop advanced technologies and launch innovative vehicles, such as the Haval SUVs and Wingle pickups. The group significantly expanded its global presence, establishing business units and distribution networks abroad, strengthening GWM’s international competitiveness.

Wei’s strategic emphasis on research and development, quality improvement, and brand positioning enabled GWM to stand out in a competitive market. Today, Great Wall Motors is a major player in the global automotive industry. Through its Haval brand, which produces affordable «sport» utility vehicles, it meets the needs of the growing Chinese middle class and sets new standards in this segment. The WEY brand enables GWM to introduce luxury SUVs to the Chinese market, while with ORA, a brand dedicated to electric vehicles, it positions itself as a key player in this sector.

These three highly complementary brands enable the company to change the perception of the traditional Chinese car market, which until then focused on compact cars and sedans, with limited diversity and struggled to compete with foreign products in terms of technology, quality, or the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions.

In 2003, Great Wall Motor became the first private Chinese automotive company to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in order to raise capital and strengthen its growth. This operation was a real success, not only as a significant milestone for GWM but also paving the way for other private Chinese companies to raise funds on international markets. GWM is now a worldwide company and exports its vehicles over 60 countries.

Wei Jianjun’s influence goes beyond his company. His willingness to innovate, especially in ecological terms, has made him a pioneer in the automotive industry’s energy transition. He also played a major role in improving the global perception of Chinese car brands, highlighting their ability to compete on quality, innovation and sustainability.

Wei Jianjun is also known for his commitment to his employees and society: he improves working conditions in factories and offices (through equipment and safety), establishes flexible work policies (such as implementing teleworking) allowing employees a better work-life balance, sets up training and development programs for his employees (such as partnerships with academic institutions), and strongly encourages innovation through an internal platform motivating employees to propose improvements.

Furthermore, the entrepreneur shows a genuine philanthropic commitment and supports numerous causes aimed at improving living conditions in rural areas or regions affected by natural disasters, reducing the company’s carbon footprint through R&D in electric/hybrid vehicles and reforestation/environmental conservation programs, and supporting cultural and artistic projects.

His leadership is characterized by a human and innovative approach, inspiring his employees to achieve excellence. Wei Jianjun remains very discreet and stays away from the media. He is often described as a simple and down-to-earth person.

His family life plays an important role in his personal and professional balance, and he understands the importance of spending time with family.