Jack Ma

Jack Ma CNBC Next 25 100 140923
Benjamin Wachenje

Title: Founder and executive chairman, Alibaba

Born: October 15, 1964, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Education: BA in English, Hangzhou Normal University

Early Marker: Founded what is held to be China's first Internet company, China Yellowpages, in 1995.

Big Idea: Expanding Alibaba, initially founded as B2B online marketplace, from range of Chinese Internet commerce, cloud computing and payment services into global business following record-breaking IPO, making it the world's most valuable listed tech company.

Wave of the Future: E-commerce

Latest Special Reports

  • CNBC Changemakers

    CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business is an annual list spotlighting women whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the business world.

  • Automation, AI and machine learning will radically influence the relationship between employers and their workforce.

  • More than ever, the hope for a sustainable world has gained traction among the next generation of businesses, policymakers and investors. CNBC’s Sustainable Future focuses on how smart investments, new ideas and tech innovation can generate commerce — and a world — with staying power.

CNBC25: Rebels, Icons and Leaders