Early Life
Wei Jianjun was born in Baoding, Hebei, China, in 1964. His early life was shaped by his family's modest circumstances. Wei showed an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. His father started a business making industrial equipment, and Wei later joined him after dropping out of university.
Rise to Success
Wei took over Great Wall Motor in 1990 when the company was on the brink of bankruptcy. At the time, it was a struggling collective-owned enterprise. Wei, then 26 years old, saw potential and steered the company in a new direction. His initial strategy was to focus on underserved markets like SUVs and pickup trucks.
Key Business Strategies
Wei's leadership transformed Great Wall Motor into a global player. The company focused on innovation and quality, which led to significant growth. Great Wall Motor went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2003, which aided its expansion. Wei's emphasis on discipline and training, including military drills, instilled a strong work ethic within the company. The company has expanded into international markets and has manufacturing facilities in multiple countries. In 2024, Great Wall Motor sold over 1.23 million vehicles globally.
Philanthropy
Wei's family is involved in philanthropic activities supporting education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.