Has anyone noticed a rather strange phenomenon? In the semiconductor industry, most CEOs are elderly, many in their 60s, 70s, or even 80s, and those in their 50s are considered young.
But in the internet industry, most CEOs are younger, typically in their 30s or 40s, with those in their 50s being considered old. Many of them retire in their 40s or 50s, passing the position on to younger people.
As shown in the chart, the CEOs of these semiconductor giants are mostly in their 60s or 70s, with some like Yin Zhiyao being 81 years old. Others, like Zhang Zhongmou, have not fully retired and are still active in the field.
In contrast, the CEOs of internet companies are relatively much younger. You see leaders like Jack Ma, Ma Huateng, Lei Jun, Huang Zheng, Liu Qiangdong, and many other younger internet giants.
Most of their rise to fame occurred in their 30s or 40s, and by the time they reach their 50s, they begin to step back, handing over power to successors, and no longer being responsible for the day-to-day operations.
Why is this the case? Actually, it’s quite simple. On one hand, semiconductors are a highly complex industry that requires long-term technical accumulation and industry experience. The CEOs need to cover a wide range of fields and knowledge, so typically only experts with deep technical backgrounds can handle it.
At the same time, we also find that many of these semiconductor CEO giants have overseas study backgrounds, and some even have experience working in the United States. This kind of journey—from studying abroad, working in the U.S., accumulating experience, then starting a business or returning to their home country to start a business—takes a long time.
Moreover, semiconductors are a high-investment, long-cycle industry. CEOs need to have long-term planning, and they really need to be experienced. Therefore, only veterans can take on the role, whether domestically or internationally.
But the internet is different. The internet requires keeping up with the times, staying on trend, and it demands change. The industry does not require much experience, but rather ideas and innovation.
If someone has too much experience, it can sometimes limit the company’s development. This is because the internet is full of uncertainties. Having too much experience may lead to assumptions that hinder the business and the company.
Furthermore, more young people are involved in the internet, so relatively speaking, younger leaders can better understand young people.
Thus, when CEOs or founders reach a certain age and feel they no longer understand the younger generation, they seek younger successors to take over. They then step back to the background, guiding the general direction, and leave the specific tasks to younger people.
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