Ya-Qin Zhang

Ya-Qin Zhang (; born in 1966) is a Chinese-American scientist, technologist and business executive. He is currently a Chair Professor at Tsinghua University and the founding Dean of the Tsinghua institute for AI Industry Research (AIR).

Zhang was President of Baidu Inc.(NASDAQ:BIDU) from September 2014 to October 2019. He was previously a key executive of Microsoft for 16 years, including Corporate Vice President for mobile and embedded Products in Redmond, Washington, managing director of Microsoft Research Asia, and Chairman of Microsoft China.

Zhang has 500+ publications, 60 US patents. and numerous contributions to global standards and products in digital video, AI/machine learning, cloud computing, and autonomous driving. He is elected to Chinese Academy of Sciences, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Inventors, and Australia National Academy of Engineering (ATSE) . He became an IEEE Fellow in 1997 for contribution to and leadership in the development of digital video compression and communications technology, standards, and products, at the age of 31, making him the youngest scientist winning this honor in the 100+ year history of the organization. He received the industry pioneer award from IEEE for his seminal contributions and technical leadership in digital video and communications in 2004. Upon his winning of "Outstanding Young Electrical Engineer Award" in 1998, Zhang received a congratulation letter from then US president Bill Clinton, praising him as "an inspiration for others".

Zhang currently serves on the Board of Directors of three public companies, and holds board membership and adjunct professorship in five prestigious universities. He was named one of the top 10 CEOs in Asia, 50 global shapers, Executive of the year, IT innovator leader award by IT Times, Business Week, CNBC, Global business and Vision magazine. One of the prominent figures in artificial intelligence and autonoumous driving, Zhang serves on the board of stewardship for the future of mobility of the Davos World Economic Forum, and is the Chairman of the Apollo Alliance, the largest open platform for autonomous driving in the world. Zhang is a founding member of UNDP (United Nations Development Program) Private Sector.

Zhang was born in Taiyuan, Shanxi, in January 1966, and is married with two children. Provided by Wikipedia