Huawei's Yu Chengdong Steps Down from CarBU After 2024 Profit

Yu Chengdong, the former chairman of Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solutions Business Unit (carBU), has stepped down from his position. This change was confirmed by updates to Huawei's official website and Yu's personal social media profiles, which now list his title as "Executive Director and Chairman of the Terminal BG," omitting the previous "Intelligent Automotive Solutions BU Chairman" designation. This shift comes after the car business unit achieved its first profitable year in 2024.

Yu Chengdong, born in 1969, graduated from Tsinghua University with a master's degree. He joined Huawei in 1993 and has held various positions, including 3G product director, vice president of wireless product marketing, president of the wireless product line, president of the Europe region, president of strategy and marketing, CEO of the terminal BG, and chairman of the Intelligent Automotive Solutions BU. Currently, he serves as an executive director and chairman of the terminal BG at Huawei.

The restructuring of the carBU comes as Huawei's deep strategic shift in the automotive sector. The company's deep strategic shift in the automotive sector is evident in the recent changes to the management structure of Shenzhen Yizhan Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., which is widely regarded as the main entity of Huawei's carBU. The company's legal representative has been changed to Xu Zhijun, with Huawei's stake reduced from 100% to 80%. New shareholders include Aito Technology (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. and Seres Auto Co., Ltd., each holding a 10% stake. The board of directors has elected Xu Zhijun as chairman, with Yu Chengdong and Zhu Huarong serving as vice chairmen. Other board members include Bai Yi, Jin Yuzhi, Bian Honglin, and Zhang Xinghai.

This restructuring suggests that Huawei is streamlining its operations to enhance efficiency and innovation. By concentrating on its core strengths in terminal devices and HarmonyOS, Huawei aims to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving automotive technology landscape. The company's strategic realignment underscores its commitment to leveraging its technological prowess to drive advancements in the automotive sector, even as it adjusts its leadership structure.

Yu Chengdong's departure from the carBU does not signify a disengagement from the automotive industry. Instead, it indicates a refocusing of his efforts on Huawei's terminal and HarmonyOS ecosystem, known as "HarmonyOS Smart Mobility." This ecosystem aims to create a unique automotive application scenario with a high "Huawei quotient," integrating Huawei's original car business unit solutions and promoting them through a clear and distinct division of labor.