Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma announced on Monday he would step down as head of the pioneering Chinese e-commerce giant in one year, a departure already drawing comparisons to the retirement of late Apple founder Steve Jobs.
Analysts said the early withdrawal of the 54-year-old Ma, who became the charismatic face of a company that has revolutionised how and what China’s people consume, will test the company’s ability to carry on Ma’s vision amid rising competition.
