Chen Feng (businessman)

Chen Feng is a Chinese businessman best known as the co-founder and former chairman of HNA Group, a conglomerate involved in aviation, tourism, and financial services.

Chen co-founded HNA Group in 1993, initially focusing on Hainan Airlines. Under his leadership, the company expanded rapidly through aggressive acquisitions, both domestically and internationally, acquiring significant stakes in companies such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Deutsche Bank, and Ingram Micro. This rapid expansion led to substantial debt for the company.

In 2021, HNA Group entered bankruptcy proceedings due to its large debt burden. Chen Feng was arrested and detained later that year, reportedly for suspected illegal activity. In November 2023, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for crimes including embezzlement and abuse of power related to his role at HNA Group.

Chen Feng's career is notable for illustrating the complexities of China's economic reforms and the risks associated with rapid corporate expansion. His leadership at HNA Group brought significant growth to the company but ultimately resulted in its collapse and his own legal troubles.