NetEase Loses Gaming Giant: EVP Ding's 23-Year Journey Comes to a Close

pvt_key_collector · 2026-01-04T15:04:29+00:00

NetEase Inc. announces the departure of Yingfeng Ding, EVP of the Interactive Entertainment Group, after over 23 years. Ding will continue as a consultant in 2026, raising questions about succession and the future of the company's gaming division.

pvt_key_collector

2026-01-04 15:04:29

Abstract generation in progress

NetEase Inc. (NTES, 9999.HK) just dropped a significant announcement—Yingfeng Ding, the Executive Vice President who has steered the company’s Interactive Entertainment Group for over two decades, will be stepping down. After more than 23 years building the gaming empire, Ding’s last day at the helm will be December 31, 2025.

The End of an Era

Few leaders have the kind of tenure Ding brought to the table. His work as EVP and head of Interactive Entertainment Group positioned NetEase’s online games division as a market powerhouse. The dude wasn’t just managing—he was shaping strategy, driving expansion, and establishing the company’s dominance in a brutally competitive space.

What’s Next?

Here’s the interesting part: Ding won’t be completely gone. He’s sticking around as a consultant in 2026, which suggests his institutional knowledge won’t just vanish overnight. Whether that’s a full clean handoff or a gradual transition remains to be seen.

For NetEase investors and gaming enthusiasts watching the company, this departure marks the end of a defining chapter. How the company handles the succession and maintains momentum in interactive entertainment will be the real story to follow.

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.