Alipay Establishes First Independent Search Division, Appoints Taobao Exec as Head

710

Chinese payments giant Alipay has launched its first ever independent search division in a bid to improve its search services.

Alipay recently implemented a round of internal organisational adjustments following the launch of upgraded software versions.

These adjustments include the establishment of Alipay’s first independent department for search operations, to be headed by Yuan Huaibin (袁怀宾), formerly chief supervisor of search products at Taobao.

According to tech analysts the establishment of an independent search department by Alipay signifies an upgrade in its strategic positioning, as well as an imminent upgrade of its search framework to focus more on AI and personalisation.

Alipay’s official data indicates that over the past year search has already become the core means by which users obtain mini-program services.

Yuan Haibin is a 12 year veteran of Alibaba, and was previously responsible for leading upgrades to the Taobao homepage.

Related stories

XW­Bank and Chi­na’s Pol­icy Banks to Pro­vide In­ter­est Free Vouch­ers via Ali­pay for 10 Bil­lion Yuan in Small Busi­ness Loans

Chi­nese Ex­pats Drive Over­seas Ex­pan­sion of Ali­pay and WeChat Pay in the West: In­ter­view with Luke Deer

Will Chi­na’s Cen­tral Bank Dig­i­tal Cur­rency Threaten Ali­pay and WeChat Pay?