Alibaba names new CTO

Alibaba Group has appointed Jeff Zhang as chief technology officer. Zhang replaces Jian Wang who will continue his role as chairman of Alibaba’s technology committee.In his new role, Zhang will lead the group’s strategy in technology, execution and security. He will continue to be the president of the “Enabling Platform” business unit that was established in December last year.The business unit is an important part of the group’s strategy to enhance synergies across data application, product development and engineering that will provide strong support to the group’s frontline businesses.Zhang joined the company in 2004 and is one of the Alibaba's partners, he was the chief architect of Taobao and has made contributions to projects across many business units including 1688, Taobao, Tmall and Juhuasuan.In March 2015, he was appointed as president of Alibaba’s China retail marketplaces.