Early Life and Military Service
Wang Jianlin was born on October 24, 1954, in Sichuan, China. At 15, he joined the People's Liberation Army and served for 17 years. He rose through the ranks, becoming a regimental commander, and also joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1976. His military background instilled in him discipline and a strategic mindset that would later prove crucial in his business ventures.
Rise to Success with Dalian Wanda Group
In 1986, after leaving the military, Wang began working in the Xigang District government in Dalian. In 1988, he took a loan to take over a small property developer, Xigang Residential Development. He renamed it Dalian Wanda in 1992 and became its general manager. Under Wang's leadership, Dalian Wanda Group expanded rapidly, becoming one of China's largest conglomerate companies with commercial properties, culture & tourism, e-commerce, and department stores.
Key Business Strategies
Wang Jianlin's success is attributed to several key strategies. He focused on commercial real estate, building Wanda Plazas across China. He also made significant investments in the entertainment industry, acquiring AMC Theatres in 2012, making Wanda the world's largest theater owner. Moreover, he expanded overseas, acquiring the U.K. yacht builder Sunseeker and investing in projects like the Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis.
Philanthropy
Wang is also known for his philanthropic efforts, including substantial donations to charitable causes, such as the restoration of a historic temple in Nanjing.