Binance Appoints Co-Founder Yi He as Co-CEO, Ushering in Dual Leadership Era
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has appointed its co-founder Yi He as co-CEO, marking the beginning of a new dual-leadership structure. The announcement was made by existing co-CEO Richard Teng during his keynote address at Binance Blockchain Week on Wednesday.
Teng noted that Yi He has been a foundational figure at Binance since its launch in 2017.
“Yi has been an integral part of the executive leadership team since the launch of Binance,”
he said, calling her promotion a natural progression and stating that she will help guide the organisation “from strength to strength.”
Strategic Leadership Shift to Strengthen Global Operations
Binance described the move as a strategic step aimed at reinforcing its global operations and accelerating product innovation. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for the exchange, which is approaching 300 million users worldwide amid rapid regulatory and competitive changes in the digital asset landscape.
Yi He will lead alongside Richard Teng, who assumed leadership in late 2023 after the departure of former CEO Changpeng Zhao. Binance says the dual-CEO structure will enhance operational clarity and positioning as the industry undergoes continued transformation.
Yi He to Oversee User Growth, Marketing, and Key Product Lines
Yi He expressed her commitment to the expanded role, emphasising the strength of her partnership with Teng.
“I am honoured to build alongside Richard, who brings decades of experience in regulated financial markets,”
she said, highlighting their shared vision for Binance’s future.
She added that together they bring diverse perspectives crucial for leading the industry through a “pivotal time” while keeping users at the centre of innovation.
Under her new role, Yi He will oversee several major commercial operations, including:
- User acquisition and growth
- Global marketing
- High-impact product verticals
- Brand and institutional strategy
This marks a significant expansion from her long-held responsibilities around branding, outreach, and global expansion.
A Key Industry Figure Taking on Greater Influence
Yi He is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in the crypto space. Before co-founding Binance with Zhao, she worked in technology and media and was an early advocate for blockchain adoption. At Binance, she has been credited with shaping the company’s global narrative, user education ecosystem, and community-driven approach.
Her ability to anticipate market changes and guide product development during volatile periods has been noted as central to Binance’s rapid rise.
Move Comes as Binance Faces Global Regulatory Scrutiny
The leadership restructuring forms part of Binance’s broader effort to professionalise its governance model. The exchange has faced increased scrutiny from regulators across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Strengthening compliance, improving transparency, and reinforcing user protection have become key strategic priorities.
Binance says Yi He will play a critical role in advancing these goals, particularly in areas that relate to:
- User trust
- Product safety
- Market integrity
As the company navigates greater oversight, her experience and long-term influence within the organisation are expected to be instrumental in shaping Binance’s next phase of growth.
