Who is Lei Jun?Lei Jun is a visionary entrepreneur whose leadership has reshaped the global tech industry.

 As Xiaomi’s founder and CEO, he combines innovation, affordability, and user-centered design. This article explores his biography, education, career achievements, and leadership style. It will be continuously updated to include the latest information and frequently asked questions about Lei Jun and Xiaomi.

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1. Who is Lei Jun? Where is he from?

Lei Jun is one of China’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, best known as the founder and CEO of Xiaomi Corporation, a global smartphone and electronics giant. Born on December 16, 1969, in Xiantao, a small city in Hubei Province, Lei Jun grew up in a modest family that valued education and discipline. His rural upbringing shaped his frugal mindset and deep understanding of ordinary consumers’ needs—core principles that later defined Xiaomi’s business philosophy.

Often called the “Steve Jobs of China” by the media, Lei Jun has played a pivotal role in shaping China’s consumer tech landscape. His low-key personality contrasts with his bold business decisions and forward-thinking strategies, making him a unique figure in the world of global technology leadership.

Lei Jun Quote: “Born in a small town doesn’t mean you have to dream small.” — Lei Jun

2. How old is Lei Jun?

As of 2025, Lei Jun is 55 years old, having been born on December 16, 1969. Despite being in his mid-fifties, he remains highly active in the tech industry, leading Xiaomi’s global expansion and innovation efforts. Over the years, his energy and hands-on leadership have surprised many, especially in an industry known for rapid change and intense competition.

Lei Jun’s age also reflects his experience—he has witnessed and shaped three decades of China’s internet and technology development, giving him deep insight into both product evolution and user behavior.

“Entrepreneurship is a lifelong journey of passion and learning.” — Lei Jun

3. What is the qualification of Lei Jun?

Lei Jun earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Wuhan University, one of China’s top institutions. Remarkably, he completed the four-year program in just two years, driven by curiosity and an intense work ethic. He later joined Kingsoft, a leading Chinese software company, where he eventually became CEO before founding Xiaomi.

His early achievements earned him national recognition, and his academic discipline has continued to influence how he leads and builds tech organizations today.

Lei Jun Quote: “Learning is the foundation of innovation.” — Lei Jun

4. What is the background of Lei Jun?

Lei Jun was born on December 16, 1969, in Xiantao, Hubei Province. His father was a middle school teacher, and his mother worked in a factory. Growing up in a modest family, Lei developed a strong sense of responsibility and independence from an early age.

As a child, he was fascinated by electronics and would often disassemble radios to understand how they worked. At the age of 10, he built his first electric lamp using two batteries, a light bulb, a self-made wooden box, and some wires, becoming the first person in his village to have an electric light.

In 1987, Lei Jun graduated from Hubei Provincial Mianyang High School and enrolled at Wuhan University, majoring in computer science. He completed his bachelor’s degree in just two years, a remarkable achievement that showcased his exceptional academic abilities.

Lei Jun Quote: “If you want to fly, you have to run every day.” — Lei Jun

5. What is the success story of Lei Jun?

After completing his degree at Wuhan University, Lei Jun joined Kingsoft in 1992 as an engineer. His leadership skills quickly became apparent, and by 1998, he was appointed CEO of Kingsoft. Under his guidance, Kingsoft went public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2007. However, in December 2007, Lei Jun resigned from his position as CEO, citing health reasons.

In 2000, Lei Jun founded Joyo.com, an online bookstore, which he sold to Amazon in 2004 for $75 million. This venture marked his entry into the e-commerce space and demonstrated his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends.

In 2010, at the age of 40, Lei Jun founded Xiaomi with the vision of creating a company that could deliver high-quality smartphones at affordable prices. Xiaomi’s innovative business model, which combined online sales with a strong community-driven approach, disrupted the traditional smartphone market and propelled the company to rapid growth.

Beyond Xiaomi, Lei Jun has been an active investor, founding Shunwei Capital in 2011. Through Shunwei, he has invested in numerous startups, including companies like YY Inc., UCWeb, and Nio, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary entrepreneur.

Lei Jun’s journey from a small-town engineer to the founder of a global tech giant is a testament to his vision, perseverance, and commitment to innovation.

Lei Jun Quote: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” — Lei Jun

6. What is the net worth of Lei Jun?

Lei Jun’s net worth has been a topic of great interest for both fans and investors. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $13 billion, making him one of the richest entrepreneurs in China. This wealth primarily comes from his significant shares in Xiaomi and his successful investments through Shunwei Capital.

Regarding his salary as CEO of Xiaomi, Lei Jun reportedly takes a relatively modest salary compared to his net worth. Public reports suggest his annual compensation is around $150,000, reflecting his focus on company growth and long-term value rather than short-term earnings.

Lei Jun’s wealth and influence continue to grow as Xiaomi expands globally, with the company’s market value soaring. He remains a prominent figure in China’s tech industry, known for his visionary leadership and commitment to innovation.

Lei Jun Quote:

“Wealth is not the goal; innovation and service to users are.” — Lei Jun

7. What is the salary of Lei Jun?

Lei Jun has become widely known not only for his leadership but also for his symbolic approach to compensation. In multiple years, Lei Jun has taken a salary of just 1 RMB (about $0.15 USD), showcasing his dedication to Xiaomi’s mission and long-term value rather than short-term personal gain.

In 2018, for example, Xiaomi disclosed in its IPO prospectus that Lei Jun declined all cash salaries, bonuses, and stock incentives. However, he did receive a one-time equity award valued at approximately $1.5 billion, which was fully donated to charitable causes, mostly in education and social welfare.

This minimalist salary approach strengthens Lei Jun’s image as a mission-driven founder who puts company growth and user value first.

Lei Jun Quote:
“I don’t take a salary—not because I don’t need it, but because I’d rather spend that money on our users.”— Lei Jun

8. What is the leadership style of Lei Jun?

Lei Jun is widely recognized for his charismatic and visionary leadership style. He emphasizes a user-centric approach, encouraging Xiaomi’s teams to focus on delivering high-quality products that meet consumer needs. His management philosophy combines innovation, agility, and a strong emphasis on teamwork.

Known for his open communication and humility, Lei Jun fosters a corporate culture where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute their best. He believes that leadership is about inspiring others to achieve a shared vision and is deeply involved in guiding Xiaomi’s strategic direction.

Lei Jun once said, “A leader’s job is not to do everything, but to empower others to succeed,” reflecting his collaborative and empowering management approach.

Lei Jun Quote:
“A leader’s job is to empower others to succeed.” — Lei Jun

9. Can Lei Jun speak English?

Lei Jun has a basic understanding of English and can communicate in simple conversations. However, in most international business settings and interviews, he prefers to speak Mandarin, often with the assistance of professional interpreters. This approach allows him to express his ideas clearly and avoid miscommunication.

Despite the language barrier, Lei Jun has shown great confidence and adaptability when engaging with global partners and media. His leadership emphasizes substance over form, focusing more on innovation and execution rather than fluency in foreign languages.

Lei Jun Quote:
“Language should never be a barrier to innovation and collaboration.” — Lei Jun

10. How do you pronounce Lei Jun?

The name “Lei Jun” is pronounced as Lay-Joon in English phonetics. In Mandarin Chinese, 雷 (Lei) is the family name, pronounced like “lay” with a rising tone, and 军 (Jun) is the given name, pronounced like “joon” with a flat tone.

Understanding the correct pronunciation helps international audiences respectfully address Lei Jun and appreciate Chinese naming conventions, where the family name comes before the given name.

Lei Jun Quote:
“A name is not just a word, but a symbol of identity.” — Lei Jun

Why Lei Jun Matters in the Global Tech Scene

Lei Jun is not only a leading Chinese entrepreneur but also a global technology influencer. As the founder and CEO of Xiaomi, he has redefined the concept of “value for money” by delivering high-quality products at affordable prices. His innovative strategies helped Xiaomi expand beyond China, making it a household name worldwide.

Lei Jun’s vision bridges the gap between technology and everyday life, bringing smart devices into millions of homes. His leadership has inspired a new generation of tech entrepreneurs to pursue innovation with humility and determination.

Lei Jun Quote:
“Innovation is the bridge between dreams and reality.” — Lei Jun