Alibaba · Microsoft · Crypto Briefing
Alibaba replaces Dingtalk head amid internal AI strategy debate
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The shakeup at Alibaba's workplace app reflects deeper tensions over how the tech giant plans to monetize its AI ambitions.
Key facts
- In March 2026, CEO Eddie Wu oversaw the establishment of the “Alibaba Token Hub,” a new unit that integrates DingTalk with the company’s AI research initiatives, including its Qwen AI research efforts
- On June 10, 2026, Alibaba’s Partnership Committee publicly criticized the management culture at DingTalk
- Former DingTalk AI product head Ma Ruila completed his departure from the company on May 15, 2026
- DingTalk is Alibaba’s answer to Slack or Microsoft Teams, a workplace communication and collaboration app that had reached 700 million users by the end of 2023
Summary
Alibaba has swapped out the leader of DingTalk, its workplace collaboration app, following internal disagreements about how the platform fits into the company’s broader artificial intelligence strategy. DingTalk is Alibaba’s answer to Slack or Microsoft Teams, a workplace communication and collaboration app that had reached 700 million users by the end of 2023. DingTalk founder Chen Hang returned as CEO of the app in March 2025 after a period away from the company. Former DingTalk AI product head Ma Ruila completed his departure from the company on May 15, 2026.