As founder and CEO of JD.com, Liu Quingdong, also known as Richard Liu, is continuing to build upon the many successes the company has experienced since he first opened a physical store in 1998. The first store was located in Beijing and Liu eventually launched an online store after recognizing the changes occurring in retail.
Liu Quingdong was born in Suquian and graduated from Renmin University of China where he studied sociology. Liu later attended the China Europe International Business School, where he earned an EMBA. He was actually able to attend college because the village where he grew up helped with expenses through donations of food and money contributed to his family. It’s one of the reasons why Richard Liu is committed to giving back, which he does in many ways, such as supporting his alma mater.
The growth of JD.com has in part been due to Liu’s commitment to quality and customer service. It’s also because of his ingenuity and technical acumen that was demonstrated early on during his business ventures that resulted in an expansion to a dozen stores across Shenyang, Shanghai and Beijing. Even when the SARS epidemic resulted in Liu closing his storefronts, he was able to recover with an online store. Not only did he recover, JD.com began to thrive. Liu recognized the value of e-commerce, especially as it relates to leveraging the power of technology in the retail space. This was long before ecommerce had the recognition that exists today.
JD online has continually expanded by adding new products every year based on the needs and wants of customers. Given the volume of sales that currently exist, it’s hard to believe that Liu once delivered each of the packages from orders placed online when he launched the first platform. Committed to his vision, Liu did whatever it took to make it work and he remains unwavering in his passion for the company. JD.com has a larger fulfillment system than any other e-commerce business that exists around the globe. There are about 20 logistics parks with automated fulfillment centers that have smart technologies. JD also boasts a network of more than 550 warehouses.
The growth plans for JD online are impressive. The company has a strategy and roadmap that includes entering markets in China, Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East and America. Liu’s ultimate goal is to expand JD to a global enterprises where anyone in the world can order products seamlessly. He remains committed to ensuring any brand and goods are accessible wherever they are wanted. In order to move closer to that goal, JD is collaborating with Walmart on an endeavor that’s likely to be the beginning of future collaborations. It’s also worth noting that Liu is opening additional warehouses and offices throughout Western Europe.
Although it has historically been difficult for American enterprises to enter the Chinese market, Richard Liu has pointed out that the tables have turned as it is now difficult for Chinese companies to establish a presence in the United States. However, Liu is not deterred and believes that proper marketing will enable JD to achieve its goal of a global expansion. Liu spoke at a forum in 2018 where he discussed his plans for expansion. He shared his desire to facilitate the sale of popular brands between consumers around the globe.
Essentially, making popular Chinese brands available in America and popular American brands available in China is part of the vision. The continued growth and achievement of JD online is inevitable with Richard Liu at the helm. Nothing has stopped him in the past and nothing will stop him in the future. Liu Quingdong remains committed to meeting the needs of consumers around the globe.
You must be logged in to post a comment.