Li Auto has recently released an internal memo, announcing a set of organizational and personnel reshuffles. The 'Organization Department' and 'Human Resources' division, previously part of the Organizational and Financial Group, will now merge into a singular 'Human Resources' department. This newly formed entity will be integrated into the Product and Strategy Group, which will also undergo a name change to the CFO Functional Group. Li Auto has designated Yang Haishan, a seasoned veteran within the company, as the new head of Human Resources. Yang will now report directly to CEO Li Xiang, a departure from the previous reporting line to the CFO. The former HR leader had already experienced a reassignment earlier. The previous department heads, Li Wenzhi and Yuan Chunfeng, will continue to serve in the Organization and Quality Operations Department within the CFO Functional Group, albeit with reduced influence. Li Wenzhi had previously endeavored to transition from OKR (Objectives and Key Results) to PBC (Performance-Based Compensation), but the initiative faced significant pushback. Consequently, Li Auto abandoned the PBC framework in July of this year, reverting back to OKR, and implemented 'de-Huawei-ization' measures. At present, Li Xiang exercises direct oversight over teams engaged in the automotive sector. Although he has voiced intentions to venture into the AI industry, Li Auto's foray into AI remains modest, and it has already seen the departure of several AI specialists. This year, Li Auto's vehicle delivery figures have been eclipsed by those of NIO and XPeng, prompting a lukewarm response from the capital market. The company's stock price has plummeted by roughly 20% since the start of the year. Earlier, Li Auto had to implement layoffs following the unsuccessful launch of the MEGA model. Now, with HR management authority restored to Li Xiang, there are indications that his assertive personnel management style may witness modifications.
