From a Small Office to Huawei’s Top Leadership: Meng Wanzhou’s Rise

Meng Wanzhou’s story is worth reading because it traces a remarkable climb from modest tasks to the highest echelons of a global technology giant. Understanding her path gives insight into how a woman can shape a company as large as Huawei.

Meng was born in Chengdu. Her father, Ren, founded Huawei in 1987 with about $3,000. After graduating, she worked a year at China Construction Bank, then joined Huawei in 1993 as a secretary, answering phones and doing other trivial administrative tasks.

She later earned a master’s degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and moved into Huawei’s finance department, which she described as the real start of her career. In 2003 she began developing a unified financial management system for the company’s global operations. Between 2007 and 2014 she led a major overhaul of financial procedures, and since 2019 she has overseen the integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence into Huawei’s finance function.

Meng now serves as deputy chairwoman and chief financial officer of Huawei. In 2023 she became one of three rotating chairpersons, each taking a six‑month turn to lead the firm. Her most recent term runs from October 2025 to March 2026, during which Huawei reported revenue of 880.9 billion yuan for 2025.

Meng attracted worldwide attention when she was arrested in Vancouver in December 2018 at the request of U.S. authorities. She spent nearly three years in Canada under bail restrictions while fighting extradition. In September 2021 she reached a deferred prosecution agreement, allowing her to return to China and resume senior responsibilities at Huawei.

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