Orient Securities officially announces new leader Zhou Lei, adding another young executive to Shanghai's financial circle

Shanghai-based leading securities firm Dongfang Securities finally announces its “new leader”

On the evening of March 2nd, Dongfang Securities issued a notice stating that the board of directors, after review, approved the election of Zhou Lei as Chairman of the company’s sixth board of directors. His term begins from the date the board’s decision is approved and the company’s shareholders’ meeting elects him as an executive director, until the current board’s term ends.

Zhou Lei was born in 1978, under 50 years old. He previously served as Party Secretary of Dongfang Securities. His official appointment as Chairman is widely expected and well-deserved.

Early Signs of Appointment

Zhou Lei’s appointment was evidently anticipated.

According to reports, on February 24th this year, Dongfang Securities held an internal meeting announcing Zhou Lei as Party Secretary. Earlier, before the Spring Festival this year, Zhou Lei was transferred from Vice General Manager of Shanghai International Group Co., Ltd. to Vice President of Sheneng (Group) Co., Ltd., the largest shareholder of Dongfang Securities. Industry insiders believed that his appointment as the company’s top leader was already largely settled.

Public resumes show Zhou Lei was born in July 1978, holds an MBA, and has long served in Shanghai’s state-owned financial system. He has held positions such as General Manager of Financing Arrangements at Shanghai International Group Asset Management Co., Ltd., Deputy General Manager of Project Development, Vice General Manager, Risk Control and Compliance Head, General Manager, and Director of Shanghai Aijian Trust Investment Co., Ltd., Deputy General Manager, and Chairman of Shanghai State-owned Assets Operation Co., Ltd., Investment Director at Shanghai International Group Co., Ltd., and Director and Audit Committee Member of Guotai Junan Securities.

Now, serving as Vice President of Sheneng Group and concurrently Chairman of Dongfang Securities, this career progression is logical.

Holding Multiple Key Positions

The announcement states that, besides approving Zhou Lei’s election as Chairman, the board also elected him to several other roles.

These include, upon approval, Zhou Lei serving as Chairman of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee and as a member of the Compensation and Nomination Committee of the sixth board of directors. These appointments take effect from the date of the board’s approval and the shareholders’ election.

Additionally, the board approved appointing Zhou Lei as the authorized representative of the company under Hong Kong Listing Rules Article 3.05, effective from the same date.

The announcement also disclosed that the board agreed to convene Dongfang Securities’ first extraordinary general meeting in Shanghai in 2026, with Vice Chairman Lu Weiming authorized to determine the specific timing.

Former Chairman Gong Dexiong Took New Position Two Months Ago

Dongfang Securities’ former Chairman Gong Dexiong stepped down in December last year.

At that time, Dongfang Securities announced it had received Gong Dexiong’s resignation letter. Due to work transfer reasons, he resigned from his roles as Chairman, Executive Director, and Chair of the Strategy and Sustainability Committee and the Compensation and Nomination Committee, and no longer holds any positions in the company or its subsidiaries.

Gong Dexiong is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the securities industry. He joined Shanghai International Trust & Investment Corporation’s Securities Department in 1992, serving as Deputy Director of Pudong Branch and Deputy Manager of the Securities Department. In 2001, he became Vice General Manager of Shanghai Securities Co., Ltd., and in 2008, also served as Chairman of Haizheng Futures Co., Ltd. In 2009, he was transferred to General Manager of Shanghai International Group’s Financial Management Headquarters. In 2013, he became General Manager of Shanghai Securities Co., Ltd. From 2015, he served as Chairman of Guotai Junan Securities Asset Management Co., Ltd., and Vice President of Guotai Junan Securities Co., Ltd., also serving as President of the Wealth Management Business Committee.

In April 2023, Gong Dexiong joined Sheneng Group as Vice President, and in September of the same year, became Party Secretary of Dongfang Securities. In October, he was elected as an Executive Director of the fifth board of directors. After leaving Dongfang Securities in December 2025, he became President of Shanghai International Group.

Four Leaders Since Listing in 2015

Since Dongfang Securities went public in 2015, it has had four “heads.”

The first, Pan Xinjun, led the company for many years, guiding it through tough challenges until listing, earning high respect within the industry. He stepped down in September 2020 and now serves as Chairman of a public welfare foundation.

The successor was Song Xuefeng, Vice President of Sheneng Group and a finance professional. He became Party Secretary of Dongfang Securities in 2020, and an Executive Director in 2021. During his tenure, he implemented many initiatives and exerted influence on the company. After leaving in 2023, he is now Vice President of Shanghai Airport Group.

Following him was Gong Dexiong, who left in late 2025. During his departure, Vice Chairman Lu Weiming temporarily assumed the roles of Chairman, legal representative, and authorized Hong Kong listing representative. Lu Weiming, a veteran and prominent figure in the investment sector, served as President from March 2022 to December 2024. He is currently Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Dongfang Securities, Director of Dongfang Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, and Chairman of Huixianfu Fund.

Zhou Lei faces significant tasks and challenges. Under the broader industry push for high-quality development—accelerating the creation of top-tier investment banks and investment institutions—Dongfang Securities is at a critical juncture. Whether it can seize the opportunities of the times and continue advancing is the key test before him.

Risk Warning and Disclaimer

Market risks exist; investments should be cautious. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not consider individual users’ specific investment goals, financial situations, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions herein are suitable for their particular circumstances. Investment is at your own risk.