Robin Zeng Yuqun (born 1968) is a Chinese billionaire businessman, best known as the founder and chairman of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), one of the world's largest manufacturers of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. He is also a vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. As of October 2024, Zeng ranks as the 32nd wealthiest individual, with an estimated net worth of US$44.9 billion according to Forbes and US$45.2 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Early Life and Education

Born	1968 (age 56–57) Ningde, China
Education	Shanghai Jiaotong University (BEng) South China University of Technology (MSc) Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (PhD)
Occupations	Businessman
Organization	All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce
Title	Founder and chairman of CATL

Robin Zeng Yuqun hails from Fujian Province, China. He began his academic journey by earning a degree in marine engineering from Shanghai Jiaotong University. He continued his studies with an MSc in electronics and information engineering from South China University of Technology in 2001. Zeng further advanced his education by obtaining a PhD in physics from the Institute of Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2006.

Career

Robin Zeng Yuqun began his career at a state-owned shipbuilding company in Fujian Province before transitioning to work at an electronic parts factory, where he spent ten years. In 1999, Zeng co-founded Amperex Technology Limited (ATL) with two former colleagues. The company initially focused on producing lithium polymer batteries for digital devices, including iPhones, as reported by The Financial Times in 2018.

In 2005, ATL was acquired by Japan's TDK, but Zeng continued to work with the company as a manager.

In 2012, Zeng and vice-chairman Huang Shilin spun off the electric vehicle battery operations of ATL to create a new entity, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), which manufactures lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Under Zeng’s leadership, CATL grew to become a global leader in the battery manufacturing industry. In 2017, the company went public on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.

In 2024, CATL expanded its scope by entering the renewable energy, power grids, and electrical energy storage systems markets.

As of March 2022, Zeng's net worth was estimated at US$49.8 billion, cementing his position among the world's richest individuals.

Expansion and Achievements

Under Robin Zeng's leadership, CATL became a dominant force in the global battery market, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. The company has established partnerships with major automakers, supplying batteries for electric vehicles worldwide. CATL has consistently ranked as one of the largest producers of lithium-ion batteries, contributing to the rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry.

Zeng’s strategic direction led to substantial investments in research and development, allowing CATL to advance its battery technology and energy solutions. The company has made significant strides in developing high-performance, cost-effective, and long-lasting batteries, which are essential for powering electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and large-scale energy storage solutions.

In 2024, CATL expanded its focus to include renewable energy, power grids, and electrical energy storage systems, signaling its intention to diversify its business and contribute to the global shift toward sustainable energy solutions. The move aligns with the growing demand for clean energy technologies and reinforces CATL's position as a key player in the energy transition.

Through his business acumen and forward-thinking approach, Zeng has transformed CATL into a global powerhouse, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in the electric vehicle and energy storage industries.

Wealth

As of October 2024, Robin Zeng Yuqun’s wealth is estimated at approximately US$44.9 billion according to Forbes, and US$45.2 billion according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Zeng's fortune stems from his role as the founder and chairman of CATL, which has become a global leader in the electric vehicle battery manufacturing industry.

Zeng's wealth surged as CATL expanded its operations, growing from a small electric vehicle battery division to a market-leading company. As the demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions continues to rise, Zeng's net worth remains closely tied to the success of CATL. In 2022, his wealth was estimated at US$49.8 billion, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in China and among the top billionaires worldwide.

Personal Life

Robin Zeng Yuqun is known to keep a relatively low public profile, with limited information available about his personal life. He is married and has children, though specific details about his family have not been widely disclosed.

Zeng is often described as a private individual who prioritizes his work and the success of his company. His focus on innovation and leadership at CATL has made him one of the most influential figures in the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries.

Despite his immense wealth and business success, Zeng’s personal life remains relatively out of the spotlight, with a preference for maintaining privacy while steering his company to global prominence.

References 

• Flannery, R. (2024) Ev batteries supplier CATL’s Robin Zeng is the second-biggest gainer on China’s 100 richest 2021, Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2021/11/03/ev-batteries-supplier-catls-robin-zeng-is-the-second-biggest-gainer-on-chinas-100-richest-2021/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
• Goodreturn (no date) Robin Zeng: Robin Zeng Net Worth, biography, age, spouse, children & more, Goodreturn. Available at: https://www.goodreturns.in/robin-zeng-net-worth-and-biography-blnr26.html (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
• Sanderson, C. (no date) Renewables Rich List: China’s billionaire ‘Battery King’ who has Washington worried, Recharge. Available at: https://www.rechargenews.com/energy-transition/renewables-rich-list-china-s-billionaire-battery-king-who-has-washington-worried/2-1-1606642 (Accessed: 10 January 2025).