Adrian Cheng

Real estate tycoon, entrepreneur, art patron and philanthropist Adrian Cheng is a prominent figure in Hong Kong's business landscape, currently serving as the non-executive vice-chairman of New World Development. He transitioned to this role in September 2024 after stepping down as CEO, a position he held since May 2020. He is currently the chairman and non-executive director of Arta TechFin Corporation Limited, a listed public company in Hong Kong.

In 2009 Adrian Cheng launched the K11 Group, a globally known pioneer for its cultural commerce concept, injecting art and cultural happenings into a growing ecosystem of retail, commerce, property, recreation and hospitality in Hong Kong and mainland China. He also oversaw the US$2.6-billion Victoria Dockside redevelopment of Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, which is comprised of K11 MUSEA, K11 ARTUS, K11 Atelier, Rosewood Hong Kong and Avenue of Stars, transforming it into a global cultural district designed to incubate the next generation talents in art, design, architecture, nature and commerce.

At his instigation, his companies have also been extensively involved in creating social impact, launching the WEMP Foundation in 2021, the city’s first NGO dedicated to early childhood mental health, as well as running anti-pandemic charitable initiatives. New World also donated 3 million square feet of land to help ease Hong Kong’s social housing shortage.

A keen collector of contemporary art, Cheng is also an influential arts patron through his K11 Art Foundation, which has backed a series of innovative exhibitions, and the K11 Craft & Guild Foundation, which works to conserve Chinese craftsmanship.

In 2022 he announced the opening of the massive cultural-retail complex K11 ECOAST in Shenzhen, and retail, entertainment and dining hub 11 SKIES in Hong Kong. Other upcoming projects include the fully integrated sports, entertainment and leisure destination Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, and the return of a new cultural performing arts landmark State Theatre in Hong Kong.

Cheng has been appointed as Chaiman of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee by the Hong Kong SAR Government to strengthen the city’s status as a cultural exchange hub between China and the rest of the world. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy by the Financial Services Development Council.

Cheng is also a director of certain subsidiaries of New World, and was the chairman and non-executive director of New World Department Store China Limited, an executive director of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, and a non-executive director of NWS Holdings Limited, all listed public companies in Hong Kong, until September 2024. Additionally, he was a non-executive director of New Century Healthcare Holding Co. Limited and Giordano International Limited, and a non-executive director and a co-chairman of Meta Media Holdings Limited, until June 2022, December 2022 and October 2023, respectively.

The son of Henry Cheng, Adrian is married to Jennifer Yu Cheng.