SHANGHAI, China, Jan. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H World Group Limited (NASDAQ: HTHT and HKEX: 1179) (“H World” or the “Company”), a key player in the global hotel industry, today announced that Ms. Jihong He will step down as the chief financial officer of the Company and serve as the chief strategy officer of the Company, effective from January 2, 2024. Mr. Jun Zou, the executive vice president of the Company, has been appointed as the chief financial officer of the Company, effective from the same date.

Mr. Zou has over 30 years of experience in financial management and capital markets in the U.S., Europe and China. Prior to joining H World, Mr. Zou worked as the chief financial officer of Shenzhen Qiqitong Technology Co., Ltd., a one-stop digital sourcing management platform. Prior to that, Mr. Zou served as the chief financial officer of various companies from 2006 to 2022, including Huawei Technologies Co, Ltd.’s global technology services business unit, Xunlei Limited (Nasdaq: XNET), Dangdang Inc. (NYSE: DANG, now privatized), iDreamSky Technology Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: DSKY, now SEHK:01119), Autohome Inc. (SEHK: 2518 and NYSE: ATHM) and Shenzhen Suteng Innovation Technology Co, Ltd. From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Zou held various positions at Ericsson in the U.S. and Sweden, including managerial roles in treasury, customer finance, strategic planning, and global controller for the managed services business unit. Mr. Zou obtained his bachelor’s degree in international business and economics from Shanghai International Studies University in July 1993 and his master’s degree in business administration from University of Texas in January 1999.

Mr. Hui Jin, the Company’s chief executive officer, commented, “I would like to congratulate Jun on his new role as the chief financial officer of the Company. Since joining H World, he has demonstrated solid capabilities and leadership in response to our evolving business. We are certain that Jun is the right candidate to serve as our new chief financial officer, and together with our core management team, will help lead H World to its next success. On behalf of the Company, I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Jihong for her commitment and significant contributions as the chief financial officer.”

About H World Group Limited

Originated in China, H World Group Limited is a key player in the global hotel industry. As of September 30, 2023, H World operated 9,157 hotels with 885,756 rooms in operation in 18 countries. H World’s brands include Hi Inn, Elan Hotel, HanTing Hotel, JI Hotel, Starway Hotel, Orange Hotel, Crystal Orange Hotel, Manxin Hotel, Madison Hotel, Joya Hotel, Blossom House, Ni Hao Hotel, CitiGO Hotel, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, MAXX, Jaz in the City, IntercityHotel, Zleep Hotels, Steigenberger Icon and Song Hotels. In addition, H World also has the rights as master franchisee for Mercure, Ibis and Ibis Styles, and co-development rights for Grand Mercure and Novotel, in the pan-China region.