Li Ge

$7.64 B

Ranked #471 in World

About Li Ge

Ge Li, a formidable Chinese-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, chairs WuXi AppTec, a key player in contract pharmaceutical research. A Peking University alumnus with a Columbia Ph.D., Li's career soared after a stint at Pharmacopeia, culminating in WuXi AppTec's founding with his late wife, Ning Zhao, in 2000. With a $10 billion fortune, Li not only impacts the pharmaceutical scene, but also supports education and research through substantial donations to renowned institutions, solidifying his influence on both Chinese and American innovation landscapes.

Born

January 01, 1967

Age

59 years

Source Of Wealth

Pharmaceuticals

Industries

Healthcare

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Shanghai

Education

Ph.D, Columbia University

Spouse

Ning Zhao

Ge Li, a prominent Chinese American entrepreneur and philanthropist, was born in China. He attended the prestigious Affiliated High School of Peking University, where he developed a strong foundation in academics.

Li Ge: Family

Ge Li is married to Ning Zhao, his classmate at Peking University and fellow Ph.D. graduate from Columbia University. Zhao was a successful businesswoman in her own right, serving as the senior vice president and global head of human resources at WuXi AppTec. Tragically, Zhao passed away on May 16, 2023, after a courageous 20-year battle with cancer.

Li Ge: Career Highlights

Ge Li's career journey is marked by remarkable achievements. After graduating from Peking University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989, he pursued a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at Columbia University, where he was mentored by renowned professors W. Clark Still and Koji Nakanishi. Upon completing his doctorate in 1994, Li joined Pharmacopeia, Inc., where he gained valuable experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Inspired by a business trip to China, Li made a bold decision to leave Pharmacopeia and co-found WuXi AppTec in Shanghai in 2000, alongside his wife, Ning Zhao. WuXi AppTec, a contract pharmaceutical research firm, has since grown into a global leader in the industry. Under Li's leadership, the company achieved significant milestones, including its listing on the New York Stock Exchange and a subsequent public offering in Hong Kong in 2018.

Li Ge: Companies

Ge Li is the founder and chairman of WuXi AppTec, a leading contract pharmaceutical research firm headquartered in Shanghai, China. The company provides a wide range of services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including drug discovery, development, and manufacturing.

Li Ge: Major Achievements

Ge Li's contributions to the pharmaceutical industry have been widely recognized. He was named a member of the prestigious Committee of One Hundred in 2011, an organization dedicated to promoting understanding between the United States and China.

In 2020, Forbes China ranked him among the top ten Chinese CEOs.

Li Ge: Awards & Achievements

Ge Li's philanthropic endeavors have earned him numerous accolades. In 2018, he and his wife donated RMB 100 million to Peking University to establish the Li Ge-Zhao Ning Education Fund, supporting educational initiatives. They were subsequently named honorary trustees of the university. Li's generosity extended to Columbia University, where he donated $21.5 million in 2020 to advance research and teaching in chemistry. In 2021, he made a significant contribution of $20 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to bolster lung cancer research.

Li Ge: Personal Life & Legacy

Ge Li's personal life revolves around his family and philanthropic pursuits. He and his late wife, Ning Zhao, shared a deep commitment to education and healthcare. Their generous donations have left a lasting impact on institutions in China and the United States. Li's legacy as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist continues to inspire others to make a positive difference in the world.

Li Ge: Trivia

In 2023, Ge Li made headlines once again with a notable donation to The Peddie School, a private preparatory school in New Jersey. He contributed $7.4 million towards the renovation of the school's fitness center, which was named the Zhao Li Family Fitness & Exercise Center in honor of his late wife.

Wealth History

Timeline

1989

Received B.A. from Peking University.

1994

Received Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Columbia University.

2000

Co-founded WuXi AppTec with his wife, Ning Zhao, in Shanghai.

2011

Named a member of the Committee of One Hundred.

2018

Company listed in New York Stock Exchange before going public in Hong Kong.

2018

Donated RMB 100 million to Peking University with his wife to set up the Li Ge-Zhao Ning Education Fund of Peking University.

2020

Donated $21.5 million to Columbia to advance research and teaching in chemistry.

2020

Second richest American pharmaceutical businessperson.

2021

Donated $20 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to support lung cancer research.

2022

Net worth of $10 billion, making him one of the richest men in China and the United States.

2023

Donated the Zhao Li Family Fitness & Exercise Center to The Peddie School as part of a $7.4 million renovation.

May 16, 2023

Ning Zhao, Ge Li's wife, passed away after a 20-year battle with cancer.

Li Ge : FAQs

What is Li Ge's current net worth?

Li Ge's current net worth is $7.64 billion.

What is Li Ge's current global rank among billionaires?

Li Ge holds the 471st position globally among billionaires.

What is Li Ge's current ranking within the United States?

Li Ge holds the 187th position in United States.

What was the change in Li Ge's net worth compared to the previous year?

Li Ge's net worth increased by 558.27 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 7.08 billion dollars.

What is the recent change in Li Ge's net worth?

Li Ge's net worth decreased by 39.06 million dollars recently, a 0.51% decrease, with his net worth standing at 7.64 billion dollars.

What are Li Ge's main sources of wealth?

Li Ge's main source of income comes from Pharmaceuticals.

In which industry does Li Ge primarily operate?

Li Ge is primarily involved in the Healthcare industry.

What is Li Ge educational background?

Li Ge holds a Ph.D from Columbia University.

How old is Li Ge?

Li Ge is 59 years old.

Who is Ge Li, and what company did he found?

Ge Li is a Chinese American entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for founding and chairing WuXi AppTec, a leading contract pharmaceutical research firm.

What are the educational qualifications and early career milestones of Ge Li?

Ge Li graduated with a B.A. from Peking University in 1989 and earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Columbia University in 1994. He worked for Pharmacopeia, Inc. before co-founding WuXi AppTec with his wife Ning Zhao in Shanghai in 2000.

What contributions has Ge Li made to education and research through philanthropy?

Ge Li has made significant philanthropic contributions including a RMB 100 million donation with his wife to Peking University, $21.5 million to Columbia University, $20 million to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and a donation for the Zhao Li Family Fitness & Exercise Center at The Peddie School.

Can you tell me about Ge Li's family and his late wife's involvement with WuXi AppTec?

Ge Li was married to Ning Zhao, his classmate from Peking University and a fellow Ph.D. graduate from Columbia University. Ning Zhao, who passed away on May 16, 2023, was formerly the senior vice president and global head of human resources at WuXi AppTec.