Since StarRise Meizu announced the suspension of its smartphone R&D efforts at the end of February this year, employee turnover has become an unavoidable reality. This time, it is Wan Zhiqiang, the China Region CMO, who is bidding farewell. After a period of reflection, he officially announced his departure from Meizu today, a company where he has dedicated nearly two decades of his career. This move not only signifies a significant personnel shift in the consumer electronics sector but also serves as a highly illustrative business case. Regarding Wan Zhiqiang's exit, I have distilled four key takeaways:

1. The Closure of an Era and the Bittersweet Emotion of 'Graduation'

Wan Zhiqiang joined Meizu in 2005 and has weathered multiple industry cycles, spanning from music players and smartphones to mobile internet, AIoT, and automotive intelligence. As a core strategist who evolved from a passionate Meizu fan to the China Region CMO, he played a pivotal role in the inception and growth of brands like Meilan, Lipro, and PANDAER, and was instrumental in cultivating the Meizu enthusiast culture.

Wan Zhiqiang referred to Meizu as his 'alma mater,' 'wheat field,' and a 'self-contained universe.' His departure evokes a sense of 'graduation,' filled with gratitude and a tinge of sadness, marking the end of a golden era for Meizu.

2. External Independence and the Closed-Loop Transformation of Core Business Assets

Wan Zhiqiang's exit is not merely an executive departure but a comprehensive case of transforming internal brand assets into an externally independent business entity. He is taking with him not just his professional credentials but also the user trust and brand culture amassed by Meizu over two decades. Two months ago, he established 'Zhuhai Pursuit Originates from Passion Technology Co., Ltd.' with a registered capital of 8 million yuan, enlisting numerous former Meizu employees and senior Meizu enthusiasts as shareholders.

This model of seamless transition + brand culture continuity essentially represents an internal incubation followed by an independent spin-off of business assets, achieving a complete closed-loop transformation from users to strategists to entrepreneurs.

3. Steering Clear of the Red Ocean, Embarking on a New Path Focused on Lightweight Smart Hardware

In terms of business direction, the new venture has opted not to enter the fiercely competitive smartphone R&D arena but instead focuses on lightweight smart hardware, wearable devices, audio products, and intelligent automotive accessories, primarily offering original design products. The new company continues to use Meizu's iconic slogan 'Pursuit Originates from Passion' in its branding, serving as both a tribute to his past career and a 'love letter' to Meizu and its enthusiasts.

This indicates that Wan Zhiqiang will continue to delve deeply into the realm of consumer electronics fused with cutting-edge technology, maintaining his acute market insight and design sensibility for the youth demographic.

4. A Rational Decision Amidst Industry Trends

Wan Zhiqiang's departure should be contextualized within Meizu's current strategic realignments. In February this year, Meizu issued a statement dispelling rumors of a 'business shutdown' and explicitly stated that it would pause domestic self-developed hardware projects for new smartphone products, instead actively collaborating with third-party hardware partners. At this pivotal moment of strategic contraction in Meizu's smartphone business, Wan Zhiqiang, as a senior marketing executive, chose to lead his core team and seasoned staff to embark on a new venture. This decision reflects both a keen grasp of industry trends and a rational career breakthrough.

Overall, while Wan Zhiqiang's departure is regrettable, he has successfully transitioned Meizu's spiritual core and user assets to a new trajectory in a dignified and commercially astute manner. This move not only continues his lifelong passion but also provides a notable case study for the accumulation and transformation of brand assets in China's consumer electronics industry.

In my view, Wan Zhiqiang's lengthy farewell message is imbued with gratitude and devoid of any negativity. The new company, named after 'Pursuit Originates from Passion,' essentially operates independently the PANDAER trendy digital and youth consumption businesses that were not fully realized at Meizu, forming a differentiated complement rather than a confrontation with StarRise Meizu, which is now fully concentrating its resources on the Flyme Auto automotive system. I wish him all the best in his entrepreneurial pursuits. Keep forging ahead!