Alibaba’s Daniel Zhang to Succeed Jack Ma as Chairman Next Year

CEO is credited for establishing Singles’ Day shopping extravaganza

Chinese tech companies Alibaba and Tencent have emerged as global leaders in mobile-payment technology. This animated video charts the key steps along their rise to the top.

Chinese e-commerce tycoon Jack Ma said he would step down as executive chairman of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. in a year, handing over the reins to CEO Daniel Zhang.

Mr. Ma made the announcement on his 54th birthday, saying he has “lots of dreams to pursue” including working in education again. Before founding Alibaba in 1999, Mr. Ma was a teacher—he is known at the company as “Teacher Ma.”

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