NetEase, Inc. announced on December 26, 2025, that Yingfeng Ding, Executive Vice President and head of the company’s Interactive Entertainment Group (IEG), will retire effective December 31, 2025.
Ding, a 23-year veteran of the company, is widely credited as the operational engine behind NetEase’s rise to gaming prominence.
Joining in 2002, he was instrumental in developing the company’s internal R&D infrastructure and overseeing the “Fantasy Westward Journey” franchise, a series that has remained a primary revenue driver for over two decades.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Yingfeng Ding for his dedication. He played a pivotal role behind the success of our flagship titles and was instrumental in building our R&D and operational capabilities. – William Ding, CEO of NetEase
Under his leadership, the IEG grew into the company’s largest division, responsible for massive hits including Identity V and the recently launched Where Winds Meet.
A Legacy of Innovation
Ding’s departure comes at a transformative moment for NetEase. As of late 2025, the company has aggressively expanded its global footprint, acquiring high-profile Western studios and relaunching Blizzard Entertainment titles in China.
While Ding is stepping down from his executive duties, he will remain with the company as a consultant throughout 2026 to ensure a smooth transition.
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