Early Life and Education
Wang Ning was born in 1987 in Huojia County, Henan, China. His parents were small retailers, giving him an early exposure to the business world. Wang graduated from Sias University in 2009 with a degree in advertising and later earned an MBA from Peking University's Guanghua School of Management in 2017.
Rise to Success
After graduating in 2009, Wang worked at Sina Corporation for a year. Inspired by Gashapon vending machines, he founded Pop Mart in 2010. Initially, Pop Mart was a retail store selling various trendy products. Wang then focused on the collectible toy market, partnering with artists like Kenny Wong. In December 2020, Pop Mart went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Key Business Strategies
Wang Ning's business acumen is demonstrated through Pop Mart's strategic shift towards blind boxes, collaborations with artists, and building a strong brand around scarcity and collector culture. The success of the Labubu toy line, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, was a pivotal moment.
Philanthropy
Wang Ning is involved in philanthropic activities, though he maintains a low profile. He supports art education through scholarships, disaster relief, cultural preservation, and autism advocacy.