Youlife Group Inc. announced on December 1, 2025 that Liqun Yao will serve as the company’s acting chief financial officer, succeeding Lidong Zhu. The change follows the resignations of Mr. Zhu and independent director Mr. Clement Ka Hai Hung, both effective November 21, 2025. Yao, a seasoned finance professional with a background as a senior auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers and finance director at Shanghai Yuyuan Tourist Mart, brings expertise in budgeting, internal controls and M&A due diligence to the role.
The appointment comes as Youlife Group reports a mixed financial picture. For the first half of 2025, revenue rose 16.2% year‑over‑year to RMB 913.3 million, while operating income jumped 93.3% to RMB ? million and net profit grew significantly, reflecting stronger profitability in core segments. Despite these gains, the company remains unprofitable and has negative equity, with analysts rating the stock as “Sell” and noting high leverage. The company’s cash runway exceeds three years, giving it room to navigate current challenges.
Yao’s arrival is seen as a step toward tightening financial discipline and improving governance. Her experience in audit and finance leadership is expected to strengthen internal controls and support the company’s ongoing restructuring efforts. Management has emphasized that the resignations were not the result of disagreements with the company, suggesting a smooth transition. The CFO change signals a focus on stabilizing the balance sheet and preparing for future growth initiatives, even as the company faces a steep decline in market valuation and a consensus “Sell” rating.
While the market has not yet reacted with a clear price move, analysts have noted that the leadership change may reassure investors about the company’s commitment to financial stewardship. The appointment of a seasoned CFO is a positive governance signal, but the broader financial challenges—negative equity, high leverage, and a 68% drop in share price over six months—remain significant headwinds. Investors will likely monitor how Yao’s stewardship impacts cost control, capital allocation, and the company’s ability to generate sustainable earnings moving forward.
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