Honor CEO George Zhao Steps Down in Company’s Buildup to IPO

Honor Device Co. Chief Executive Officer George Zhao is stepping down due to personal reasons, according to the Shenzhen-based smartphone maker.

The company, which spun out from Huawei Technologies Co. in 2020, is appointing Jian Li as Zhao’s replacement, according to a spokesperson. Zhao served as the company’s frontman in announcing new products and steered it through the transition to an independent business and toward a public listing.

Li has held various senior positions at Honor, including vice chairman of the board and president overseeing human resources.

George Zhao

Photographer: Pau Barrena/AFP/Getty Images

Honor is preparing for an initial public offering, including adjusting the composition ...