Zhang Lei is a Chinese businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder, Chairman, and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Hillhouse Capital Group, one of Asia's largest and most successful private equity and asset management firms. His career is rooted in elite finance, strategic investment, and value creation.

Zhang holds a B.A. in International Relations from the Renmin University of China and an MBA from the Yale School of Management (SOM) (2002). His philosophical approach centers on long-term value investing, operational excellence, and commitment to technological innovation (pioneering the long-term private equity model in China). He is famous for his major early investments in Tencent and JD.com.

• Hillhouse Capital Group (Founder, Chairman & CIO): The core private asset, a major global investment firm specializing in private equity, venture capital, and public equity (managing substantial assets).
• Investment Apex: His success is built on disciplined, long-term investments in disruptive technology and consumer companies across Asia.
• Academic Background: He holds an MBA from Yale SOM and a B.A. from Renmin University.
• Philanthropy: He made a landmark $8.88 million donation to Yale SOM (his alma mater).

Zhang Lei's strategic genius was his commitment to investing in the future. He founded Hillhouse Capital in 2005 with $20 million from the Yale Endowment. His structural contribution is immense: pioneering the modern, scale private equity model in China and accelerating the growth of foundational Internet companies. His early, high-conviction investment in Tencent (in 2007) and JD.com (as a struggling startup) yielded massive, foundational returns.

He remains Founder, Chairman, and CIO, guiding the firm's continuous expansion and technological modernization. His wealth is secured by the colossal, long-term, superior returns generated by Hillhouse Capital's investment strategies.

Zhang Lei's social impact stems from Hillhouse Capital's role in providing essential capital and expertise that catalyzed the growth of foundational technology and consumer companies across Asia. His personal philanthropy supports major educational initiatives, including a landmark donation to Yale SOM and funding for Renmin University, focusing on promoting entrepreneurial education and research.

His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives.

Zhang Lei maintains the professional, composed style of a corporate executive. His attire is consistently bespoke, favoring dark, tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects serious authority and intellectual depth, typical of a pioneer in the global financial sector.

Residing in Hong Kong, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to investment strategy, financial governance, and technology foresight.