November 29, 2023 - Today, Ubisoft announced the appointment of Yang Zhi Hong, currently Lead Producer of the Chinese edition of The Division 2 as Managing Director, Ubisoft Shanghai, effective January 1st, 2024. Succeeding Jean-Francois Vallee, who will assume a new role as Zone Managing Director, Ubisoft to lead studios in Southeast Asia and India, Yang Zhi Hong will report directly to Xavier Poix, Zone Managing Director, Ubisoft who leads multiple studios across China, France, Spain and Italy.
With almost 20 years of experience in the game industry, Yang Zhi Hong has developed an extensive knowledge of game development and the Chinese market. He started his career at Ubisoft, where he made creative contributions to numerous games, including the Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter, I Am Alive, the Splinter Cell and the Far Cry Primal franchise. With his 16 years of AAA production experience, Yang Zhi Hong has also transitioned to mobile development in recent years, acquiring valuable insights and experience in both live and business operations. Additionally, he has accumulated over a decade of managerial experience, leading production and live operations team in previous roles, including serving as Studio Manager outside Ubisoft.
“His instrumental role in uniting teams and leveraging expertise played a pivotal part in ensuring the launch of the Chinese edition of The Division 2. He has proven himself a strategic and inclusive leader with a strong collective mindset,” said Xavier Poix, “I have confidence in his extensive knowledge of our team, our games and the Chinese market, as well as his leadership. He will take the Shanghai team onto a path of success while pursuing the strategy I deployed for our Chinese studios.”
With a strong commitment to Ubisoft’s China strategy, Yang Zhi Hong will lead the Shanghai studio by working closely with the studio leadership team and the producers to elevate Ubisoft Shanghai into a world-class studio, with a specific focus on developing expertise in creating open worlds, operating live game, and launching successfully and meaningful games in the distinctive Chinese market.
Yang Zhi Hong will also collaborate closely with Shu Xin Yu, Managing Director of Ubisoft Chengdu to further enhance synergies and strengthen the overall performance of Ubisoft Studios in China. Together, they will actively engage with leaders from other studios within the bigger zone, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared success.
“Ubisoft Shanghai is the place where my connection with games started. I feel thrilled to keep pursuing my dream to deliver the best games, the very first thing I learnt as I began my career here.” said Yang Zhi Hong, “I’m honored and excited to step into a new role and embark on this new journey with an extremely talented team to continue unleashing our creativity, creating the unknown, and delivering mind-blowing gaming experiences for our players, while exploring vast opportunities in the dynamic Chinese market. “
“My 18-year journey in China was an incredibly valuable experience. I consider it a privilege to have worked with such talented teams at the Chengdu and Shanghai studios, on a variety of great franchises. I am confident that the Shanghai studio will continue to thrive and achieve even greater success under the leadership of Yang Zhi Hong.” said Jean-Francois Vallee, who will leave China for Singapore for his new role effective January 1, 2024.