Zhang Yong Rewrites His Own Playbook at Hot Pot Heavyweight Haidilao

Last week, Haidilao International Holding Ltd. made a startling announcement: the company’s founder and spiritual leader, Zhang Yong, has resumed his role as CEO of the popular hot pot chain, returning to the operational helm to navigate a strategic overhaul as earnings flag.

Zhang’s reinstatement signals a critical pivot for Haidilao. A source close to Zhang told Caixin that while the founder has focused on high-level strategy in recent years, his comeback represents a “second revolution” for the company. His primary objective is to accelerate the rollout of the “Red Pomegranate Plan,” an initiative designed to incubate new restaurant brands and diversify the company beyond its signature hot pot offerings, and to streamline decision-making process, the source said.