Xu Simin, the legal representative, chairman, and general manager of Hangzhou Wahaha Group, has resigned from her positions. Sources close to the company confirmed the departure, noting that ongoing legal proceedings involving the group have been delayed due to the change in leadership.
Despite the reports, official business registration records for Hangzhou Wahaha Group have not yet been updated and still list Xu Simin as the legal representative. The company has not issued an official public statement regarding the resignation.
Xu Simin previously served as the head of the legal department at Hongsheng Group and director of the legal office at Wahaha. She assumed the role of general manager in October 2025 and became chairman and legal representative in November 2025, following the departure of Zong Fuli.
Some employees suggest the resignation is linked to the upcoming implementation of the Administrative Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Entrusted Food Production. This regulation, issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation as Order No. 113, takes effect on December 1, 2026.
The new regulation mandates that entrusting parties must supervise the production activities of entrusted parties and bear responsibility for food safety. Employees speculate that Xu Simin may have resigned to avoid potential liability risks associated with the relationship between Hongsheng and Wahaha under the new rules.
