William DingTimeline
William Ding

William Ding Timeline

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

William Ding founded NetEase in 1997, became the mainland's richest person in 2003 and CEO in 2005 48.

Full nameDing Lei (William Ding)
NationalityChina
Known forFounder and CEO of NetEase

1971: born in Ningbo

4

  1. 1971 · BORNBorn in Fenghua, Ningbo, Zhejiang
  2. 1997 · FOUNDEDFounds NetEase in June
  3. 1999 · ROLEBecomes a NetEase director in July
  4. 2003 · MILESTONEBecomes the richest person on the Chinese mainland, with 7.6 billion yuan
  5. 2005 · ROLEBecomes NetEase CEO in November
  6. 2006 · MILESTONEMarries Wang Xunfang
  7. 2012 · MILESTONENetEase branches into pork production
  8. 2025 · MILESTONEForbes puts him at $47.5 billion, 5th in China

1997: founds NetEase

5

1999: becomes a director

8

2003: richest person on the mainland

With 7.6 billion yuan he becomes China's first internet and gaming billionaire 4.

2005: becomes CEO

8

2006: marriage

He marries Wang Xunfang 4.

2012: pork production

NetEase branches into pork 9.

2025: back in China's top five

Forbes puts him at $47.5 billion 10.

Frequently asked questions

In June 1997.
In 2003, with 7.6 billion yuan.
Sources✓ Verified 14 Nov 2026
1 Wikipedia, Ding Lei, 1 Jan 1970, Dates 2 InsiderTrades, Lei Ding net worth and biography, 2 Sep 2026, Director and CEO dates Report a correction