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Chinese food delivery giant Meituan names new tech executive to improve efficiency, as weak demand weighs on stock

  • Han Jian is the new head of the company’s foundational R&D team, succeeding Zhang Jinmao, chairman of the technology committee
  • Meituan aims to improve the operational efficiency of its retail businesses through technologies, such as artificial intelligence and drones

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Meituan’s food delivery drivers seen in Guangzhou, southern China. Photo: Bloomberg
Ben Jiangin Beijing

Chinese online food delivery giant Meituan has replaced the head of its foundational research and development team, as the company seeks to innovate its business amid slower growth and an anaemic economy.

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Han Jian, former head of the platform technology team, will succeed Zhang Jinmao, according to an announcement via internal email. Zhang will remain as chairman of the technology committee, a position he has held for three years.

The changes, effective immediately, are aimed partly at improving the operational efficiency of Meituan’s retail businesses through the use of technologies, including autonomous vehicles, drones, artificial intelligence and large language models, according to an employee, who confirmed the authenticity of the email and asked not to be named discussing internal matters.

Under the guidance of the technology committee, Meituan will set up a “technology governance preparatory group” to sort out the future scope, goals, operations and sources of support for its technology governance structure.

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Drone food deliveries take off in China’s tech city, Shenzhen

Drone food deliveries take off in China’s tech city, Shenzhen

Meituan did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the reshuffle, which was first reported by Chinese tech media outlet 36Kr.

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Meituan, which has seen its stock price plunge 80 per cent from its peak in early 2021, runs one of the largest gig economy platforms in China, consisting of nearly 7 million delivery drivers. The company has been under constant public pressure to improve the welfare coverage and labour conditions of its workers.

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