William Ding's Biography

William Ding, also known as Ding Lei, is a pioneering Chinese entrepreneur and technology visionary, best known as the founder and CEO of NetEase. Born on October 1, 1971, Ding Lei graduated from Chengdu University of Electronic Science and Technology before embarking on a career that would help shape China's internet landscape. In 1997, he launched NetEase, which soon became one of the country’s largest and most influential internet companies, with interests spanning online gaming, email services, news portals, e-commerce, and cloud music. Ding's leadership and innovation have propelled NetEase to global recognition, establishing him as one of the wealthiest individuals in China with a net worth exceeding $26 billion in 2024. Despite facing periodic controversies over regulatory challenges in online content and gaming, Ding remains a respected figure in the tech world. He is passionate about technology, reading, and philanthropy, and is credited as China's first internet and gaming billionaire. Ding's influence on digital entertainment and internet culture continues to be profound, making him a key player in the global digital economy.