BEIJING: Wanda Sports Group Company Limited, a leading global sports events, media and marketing platform, announced Friday that Yimin Gao has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Wanda Sports China, effective immediately.
Gao succeeds Dongwei Yang, who resigned from his role and from the company’s board of directors for personal reasons. It is expected that Mr. Gao will also be appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors in due course.
“We have quickly built a strong and growing platform in China by leveraging our globally recognized brands, long-term trusted partner relationships, decades of expertise in the sports industry and network of relationships with local businesses and governments to launch additional events across the country,” said Hengming Yang, President and Chief Executive Office of Wanda Sports Group. “The opportunities for future growth in China remain exciting as the country’s population places an increased emphasis on healthier lifestyles and increased physical activity.”
“Yimin is a talented executive, who brings a deep understanding of China’s evolving demographics and the important role that the rising middle class has on the country’s future growth,” added Hengming Yang. “We are confident that Yimin and our talented China team will accelerate our strategic growth in China. We also thank Dongwei for his leadership over the past three years, including his work to build up our China platform.”
“I am excited to join the Wanda Sports team at this important stage in its history,” said Mr. Gao. “Wanda Sports China is a recognized leader in the country’s sports industry and I am committed to expanding the reach of our events, partnerships and innovative digital services to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities that are in front of us.”
Prior to today, Mr. Gao served as the CEO of Wanda KIDSPLACE, one of the largest operators of children’s early-education centers and playgrounds in China. Mr. Gao has held various positions of increasing responsibility in the culture and real estate subsidiaries of Wanda Group, of which we are a part, since 2010. Mr. Gao holds a bachelor degree in industrial and civil architecture from the Hebei University of Architecture.
