Haidilao has announced a series of changes to its senior management and board of directors.
According to a filing by the Hong Kong-listed company, effective January 13, 2026, Gou Yiqun has resigned as executive director and CEO. Song Qing has stepped down as executive director and a member of the nomination committee, while Gao Jie has resigned as executive director. All three will continue to hold key management roles within the group.
Following his resignation as CEO, Gou will oversee the group’s initiatives in intelligent and automated management systems, focusing on upgrading operating models and developing a centralized smart management platform to improve efficiency and decision-making. Song will continue to serve as chair of the product committee.
Alongside the departures, Haidilao appointed four new executive directors, Li Nana, Zhu Yinhua, Jiao Defeng, and Zhu Xuanyi, effective January 13. The company said the appointments are aimed at supporting long-term innovation and cultivating a new generation of management talent.
The most significant change is the return of founder and chairman Zhang Yong, who has resumed the role of CEO, also effective January 13. Haidilao’s shares rose more than 7% at the opening of trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange the following day.
The reshuffle comes amid renewed pressure on Haidilao’s core business, as slowing traffic and softer consumer spending weigh on performance across China’s casual dining sector. In the first half of 2025, the company reported year-on-year declines in both revenue and profit, while key operating indicators such as table turnover also showed signs of weakening, according to Chinese media reports.
Zhang’s return to the CEO role is widely seen as an attempt to restore strategic clarity and execution speed. Since stepping aside in 2022, Haidilao has cycled through multiple chief executives, with each leadership phase reflecting a different priority ranging from cost controls and operational stabilization to experimentation with new formats. Since 2024, the company has rolled out several sub-brands, including Yan Qing and BarBecue, as it expands beyond hotpot.
According to the company’s 2025 interim report, Haidilao operated 126 restaurants across 14 brands in addition to its flagship hot pot chain.