China Mobile Hong Kong is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Hong Kong. It is a subsidiary of China Mobile, which is the world’s largest mobile network operator. China Mobile Hong Kong provides a wide range of voice and data services, including 4G LTE, to customers in Hong Kong. As a key player in Hong Kong’s telecom industry, the company’s leadership is critical to its success in the competitive market. The current CEO of China Mobile Hong Kong is Dr. Li Feng.
Background on China Mobile Hong Kong
China Mobile Hong Kong traces its roots back to 1997 when it was formed as a joint venture between China Telecom and British telecom company Cable & Wireless HKT. It adopted its current name in 2006 when China Mobile acquired the majority stake in the company. Some key facts about China Mobile Hong Kong:
- It has over 4 million mobile customers in Hong Kong, making it the second largest operator behind rival 3 Hong Kong
- The company launched its 4G LTE network in 2012 and continues to expand coverage across Hong Kong
- In addition to mobile services, China Mobile Hong Kong offers fixed-line, broadband internet, and IPTV services
- It generated over HK$19 billion in total revenue in 2021
- The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
As a subsidiary of state-owned China Mobile, the Hong Kong business benefits from the resources and scale of its parent company while operating with substantial autonomy in the local market.
Introduction to Dr. Li Feng, CEO
Dr. Li Feng became the CEO and Executive Director of China Mobile Hong Kong in March 2021. He succeeded Dr. Liang Ji, who had served in the CEO role since 2010.
As CEO, Dr. Li is responsible for overseeing the company’s overall strategy and operations in Hong Kong. Some key facts about his background:
- He has over 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry in mainland China and Hong Kong
- Prior to becoming CEO, he served as a Deputy General Manager at the parent China Mobile company
- Dr. Li holds a PhD in Communication and Information Systems from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
- His areas of expertise include corporate management, network operations, and emerging technologies like 5G and IoT
Dr. Li took over the reins amid increased competition in Hong Kong’s saturated mobile market, requiring him to focus on high-value customers and new services enabled by 5G networks. His technology background and mainland China experience have been seen as assets for the role.
Dr. Li Feng’s Tenure as CEO
Dr. Li Feng has served as the CEO of China Mobile Hong Kong for close to two years now. Here are some key aspects of his leadership during this tenure:
Continued network investment
Under Dr. Li’s leadership, China Mobile Hong Kong has continued to invest heavily in expanding and upgrading its mobile network. This includes building new 5G capacity to enable next-generation services. In 2021 alone, the company increased capital expenditure by over 40% to HK$2.3 billion. Expanding the network has helped drive increases in average revenue per user.
Development of 5G use cases
A key part of Dr. Li’s strategy has been developing innovative 5G use cases leveraging China Mobile’s technical expertise and Hong Kong’s position as a regional finance and technology hub. Under his direction, the company has explored 5G applications in areas like smart estates, autonomous driving, and cloud gaming. This has included collaborations with enterprises and startups across Hong Kong.
Greater integration with mainland China
As a mainland Chinese executive, Dr. Li has focused on maximizing China Mobile Hong Kong’s synergies with its parent company. This has included initiatives like dual-SIM cards to integrate mainland accounts, co-developing China Mobile Hong Kong’s 5G capabilities, and joint innovation initiatives. Closer ties with China Mobile benefits the Hong Kong subsidiary through shared resources.
Targeted customer acquisition
Under increasing competitive pressure, China Mobile Hong Kong has become more targeted in customer acquisition under Dr. Li. Using data analytics, the company has focused its offers and promotions on high-value customer segments such as teenagers, corporate accounts, and tech-savvy consumers more likely to use 5G services. This has helped shore up its premium market positioning.
Development of the local management team
While bringing mainland Chinese experience, Dr. Li Feng has also maintained continuity by promoting from within China Mobile Hong Kong’s ranks to build his leadership team. Several top executives have taken on expanded roles, bringing local knowledge and relationships. Dr. Li has balanced external perspective and internal continuity.
Performance Under CEO Li Feng
Here is a look at China Mobile Hong Kong’s performance over the nearly two years since Dr. Li Feng took over as CEO:
Key Metric | 2021 Result | 2022 Result |
---|---|---|
Total customers | 4.1 million | 4.3 million |
5G customers | 880,000 | 1.5 million |
Revenue | HK$19.2 billion | HK$19.8 billion |
EBITDA | HK$6.9 billion | HK$7.1 billion |
This table shows steady customer growth, rapid 5G uptake, rising revenue, and improved profitability since Dr. Li took over. The company has maintained a leading position in Hong Kong’s competitive mobile market under his leadership. Investments in the 5G network and closer ties with the mainland are bearing fruit.
Challenges and Priorities Ahead for CEO Li Feng
While performance has been solid recently, Dr. Li Feng still faces a number of challenges and priorities in leading China Mobile Hong Kong forward:
Fending off competition
The Hong Kong mobile market is highly saturated, with penetration over 200%. China Mobile Hong Kong’s competitors like 3 Hong Kong and SmarTone remain ferocious. Maintaining premium pricing and high-value customers will be critical for Dr. Li Feng. This requires constant innovation in data services.
Monetizing 5G adoption
As China Mobile Hong Kong’s user base rapidly migrates to 5G, Dr. Li will need to monetize 5G through upselling premium 5G plans and enabling revenue-generating use cases. This will help justify the billions invested in the 5G network. More enterprise applications will be key.
Managing mainland China relationships
Dr. Li will need to strike the right balance between integration with the mainland and managing an independent Hong Kong identity. While the former provides benefits, the latter remains vital to success in the local market.
Developing future capabilities
As technology evolves, Dr. Li will need to orient China Mobile Hong Kong toward new capabilities in areas like cloud, AI, edge computing, and big data analytics. Upskilling employees and targeted recruiting in key domains will enable success.
Corporate social responsibility
As a major Hong Kong company, China Mobile will be expected under Dr. Li’s leadership to continue giving back through community outreach, local partnerships, diversity programs, and environmental sustainability initiatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Li Feng has provided steady leadership as CEO of China Mobile Hong Kong for close to two years. He has focused on investing in 5G leadership, integrating Hong Kong with the mainland China business, and targeting key customer segments to drive performance. China Mobile Hong Kong has maintained its strong market position under his tenure. Looking ahead, Dr. Li will need to drive 5G monetization, fend off rivals, balance local and mainland interests, build emerging capabilities, and fulfill CSR commitments if he is to take the company to the next level of success in Hong Kong’s dynamic mobile market. By leveraging technology expertise and local market knowledge, he appears well-placed to position China Mobile Hong Kong for continued leadership.