Li Ka-shingTimeline
Li Ka-shing

Li Ka-shing Timeline

Reviewed by the editorial team · Updated 14 Nov 2026 · Last verified 14 Nov 2026 · 1 min read
Quick answer

Li Ka-shing founded Cheung Kong in 1950, restructured in 2015 and retired as chairman in 2018 149.

Full nameLi Ka-shing
NationalityHong Kong, China
Known forFounder of Cheung Kong, CK Hutchison and CK Asset

1928: born in Chaozhou

Li Ka-shing is born in Guangdong 6.

  1. 1928 · BORNBorn in Chaozhou, Guangdong
  2. 1940 · MILESTONEFamily flees to Hong Kong during the Sino-Japanese War
  3. 1950 · FOUNDEDFounds Cheung Kong Plastics at age 22
  4. 1972 · MILESTONECheung Kong sells shares in a public offering
  5. 1990 · MILESTONEHis wife Chong Yuet-ming dies
  6. 2015 · MILESTONERestructures the group into CK Hutchison and CK Asset
  7. 2018 · ROLERetires as chairman; his son Victor takes over
  8. 2026 · MILESTONETops Forbes' Hong Kong list with $45.1 billion

1940: moves to Hong Kong

His family flees the Japanese invasion 4.

1950: Cheung Kong

He founds Cheung Kong Plastics at 22 4.

1972: public listing

Cheung Kong sells shares to the public 4.

1990: his wife dies

Chong Yuet-ming dies on 1 January 8.

2015: restructuring

The empire is split into CK Hutchison and CK Asset 4.

2018: retirement

He steps down as chairman in May and Victor takes over 19.

Frequently asked questions

In May 2018, after announcing it on 16 March.
In 2015, into CK Hutchison and CK Asset.
Sources✓ Verified 14 Nov 2026
1 Bloomberg, Bloomberg Billionaires Index: Li Ka-shing, 1 Jan 1970, Milestones 2 Business Chief Asia, Hong Kong's richest tycoon Li Ka-Shing retires at 89, 1 Jan 1970, Retirement Report a correction