Kemo
04-26-2016, 12:35 AM
WWE announced today in a press release that they have hired Jay Li, formerly of Skullcandy, to head up the company’s Chinese operations as Vice President & General Manager, Greater China. It’s a newly created role, and Li will report to Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International as his direct superior. The timing is interesting with Shane McMahon recently returning to the fold, as Shane had spent the past several years with YOU On Demand, a company that tried to get inexpensive video on demand movies to break through in China as an alternative to bootlegs. It didn’t go well, but now Shane has a better working knowledge of the Chinese market than most. As for Li, before Skullcandy, he had worked in distribution for Li Ning Company Limited, a Chinese sporting goods company.
Here’s the full press release:
WWE NAMES JAY LI VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER, GREATER CHINA
STAMFORD, Conn., April 25, 2016 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced the appointment of Jay Li as Vice President & General Manager, Greater China based in Shanghai. Li, a senior executive who has held multiple leadership positions in key industries in China and the U.S., will report directly to Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International.
In this newly created role, Li will lead WWE’s strategic business development initiatives and day-to-day operations in China and work in conjunction with local government authorities and partners across all of WWE’s lines of the business including television, live events, marketing, sponsorship, new media, licensing and merchandising.
“China is strategically important for WWE and we are confident that Jay will help successfully develop our brand and business in the market,” said Gerrit Meier, President, International, WWE. “We remain committed to expanding WWE internationally, and our presence in China is critical to the company’s future growth.”
Prior to joining WWE, Li served as Skullcandy, Inc.’s China General Manager, where he helped launch its business in China, grow annual sales and successfully establish Skullcandy as a leading youth brand.
Li joined Skullcandy from Li Ning Company Limited, China’s leading sporting goods company, where he held multiple leadership positions. As Vice President & General Manager of the company’s International Division, Li played a key role in growing annual revenue to more than $1.4 billion.
Earlier in his career, Li held executive roles at IBM and Andersen Consulting, LLP, and graduated summa cum laude from Middlebury College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Politics and Economics.
Here’s the full press release:
WWE NAMES JAY LI VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER, GREATER CHINA
STAMFORD, Conn., April 25, 2016 – WWE (NYSE: WWE) today announced the appointment of Jay Li as Vice President & General Manager, Greater China based in Shanghai. Li, a senior executive who has held multiple leadership positions in key industries in China and the U.S., will report directly to Ed Wells, WWE Executive Vice President, International.
In this newly created role, Li will lead WWE’s strategic business development initiatives and day-to-day operations in China and work in conjunction with local government authorities and partners across all of WWE’s lines of the business including television, live events, marketing, sponsorship, new media, licensing and merchandising.
“China is strategically important for WWE and we are confident that Jay will help successfully develop our brand and business in the market,” said Gerrit Meier, President, International, WWE. “We remain committed to expanding WWE internationally, and our presence in China is critical to the company’s future growth.”
Prior to joining WWE, Li served as Skullcandy, Inc.’s China General Manager, where he helped launch its business in China, grow annual sales and successfully establish Skullcandy as a leading youth brand.
Li joined Skullcandy from Li Ning Company Limited, China’s leading sporting goods company, where he held multiple leadership positions. As Vice President & General Manager of the company’s International Division, Li played a key role in growing annual revenue to more than $1.4 billion.
Earlier in his career, Li held executive roles at IBM and Andersen Consulting, LLP, and graduated summa cum laude from Middlebury College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Politics and Economics.