Ma has a fair for the dramatic, and today's news well-advertised announcement from Ma doesn't disappoint. Ma, whose investments extend beyond Alibaba, himself is a bit contradictory about his future in his letter. On one hand, Ma said: "Because of physical limits on one’s ability and energy, no one can shoulder the responsibilities of chairman and CEO forever." It's very hard indeed to imagine Ma slowing down much in life at this point or losing any influence on the major decisions at Alibaba anytime in the foreseeable future. Like Alibaba’s itself, Ma's future will be interesting to watch.

Source: Forbes September 10, 2018 05:03 UTC