Origin Agritech Appoints Jian Zhang as Independent Director
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 24 2026
0mins
Origin Agritech announced the appointment of Jian Zhang as an independent member of its Board of Directors and the reappointment of Zheng James Chen as CFO. Both appointments are effective March 20. Chen has served Origin in multiple senior capacities over more than a decade, including two separate tenures as CFO and one as CEO. Changqing Mao resigned from his position as independent director, effective March 12, due to new professional commitments. Chi Kin Cheng resigned as CFO, effective March 19, for personal development reasons. Zhang currently serves as CEO of ChinaAg JiaNuo Seed Science and Technology . He previously served as CTO of Syngenta Group China Seed Business and as Director of the National Center of Technology Innovation for Maize. Chen rejoins Origin having previously served as the company's CFO from January 2012 to January 2016, CEO from February 2018 to December 2018, and CFO again from December 2018 to April 2020. He also served as a member of Origin's Board of Directors from August 2017 to April 2020. Prior to rejoining Origin, Chen served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of China Finance Online and as CFO of Yunji.
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About SEED
Origin Agritech Ltd is a holding company mainly engaged in agricultural biotechnology. The Company specializes in crop seed breeding and genetic improvement, seed production, processing, distribution and related technical services. The Company and its subsidiaries are primarily engaged in corn seed development and distribution business as well as research on crop genetic improvement breeding technology. The Company's products include corn seeds, nutritionally enhanced corn (NEC), soybean seeds, rapeseed seeds and rice seeds. The Company has a breeding research platform in the country, including research centers, breeding stations, winter breeding bases, and others. The Company mainly conducts its business in domestic and overseas markets.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Origin Agritech (SEED) Q2 2026 Earnings Transcript
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Origin Agritech Reports 31.9% Revenue Decline in 1H
- Revenue Decline: Origin Agritech reported first-half revenues of RMB 49.2 million (US$7.1 million) for fiscal 2026, reflecting a 31.9% decrease from RMB 72.3 million in the same period of fiscal 2025, primarily due to the company's strategic shift towards new corn seed products and a reduction in external seed tolling services.
- Improved Loss Per Share: The basic and diluted net loss per share for the first half of fiscal 2026 was RMB 1.21 (US$0.17), an improvement compared to a net loss per share of RMB 3.55 in the first half of fiscal 2025, indicating the company's ability to gradually control losses during its transition.
- Strategic Transition Impact: The company's strategic transition in its product portfolio, while resulting in short-term revenue declines, aims to enhance market competitiveness and profitability through a focus on new corn seed products, aligning with its long-term growth strategy.
- Market Reaction: Despite the revenue drop, market reactions to the company's transformation remain to be seen, and investors should monitor the potential growth in product sales and its impact on overall financial performance.
See More
Origin Agritech to Announce Financial Results on May 21
- Earnings Announcement Schedule: Origin Agritech is set to release its financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2026 on May 21, which is expected to provide investors with critical performance data and market insights.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call on May 22 at 8 a.m. ET, led by CEO Weibin Yan and CFO Z. James Chen, who will address investor questions, enhancing transparency and engagement.
- Investor Interaction: Investors are encouraged to submit questions via email by May 18, demonstrating the company's commitment to investor feedback and aiming to improve investor relations management.
- Webcast Replay Availability: The meeting will be available via webcast, allowing participants to replay the session for two weeks post-event, ensuring that those unable to attend live can still access important information, thereby enhancing information accessibility.
See More
Origin Agritech Launches Redesigned Website to Enhance Digital Experience
- Website Redesign: Origin Agritech's newly launched website features a modern, mobile-responsive design that enhances user experience with faster load times, aimed at showcasing the company's leadership in agricultural biotechnology.
- Audience-Centric Content: The new site reorganizes content around three core audiences—commercial partners, agricultural customers, and the global investment community—allowing each group to quickly access relevant information, thereby enhancing engagement.
- Brand Image Enhancement: The refreshed visual identity reinforces Origin Agritech's brand as a pioneer in GMO phytase corn and proprietary hybrid seed varieties, showcasing its innovation in crop biotechnology.
- Strategic Communication Initiative: This website redesign is part of a broader corporate communications strategy aimed at strengthening engagement with global capital markets and the international agricultural community, enhancing transparency and innovation perception.
See More
Origin Agritech Appoints New Board Member and CFO
- New Board Member: Origin Agritech has appointed Jian Zhang as an independent director, bringing over 20 years of experience in global crop biotechnology, which is expected to provide strategic guidance and support the company's growth in agricultural technology.
- CFO Reappointment: Zheng James Chen has been reappointed as Chief Financial Officer, and his extensive experience at Origin and deep understanding of the company's financial architecture are anticipated to effectively drive the next phase of the company's financial operations.
- Executive Changes: The addition of Zhang and the reappointment of Chen will inject new energy into the company, while Changqing Mao's resignation as independent director due to new professional commitments highlights the dynamic changes within the executive team.
- Background Context: Chen's previous service in multiple senior roles at Origin, along with his leadership positions at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and two publicly listed Nasdaq companies, underscores his unique qualifications to lead the company through future challenges.
See More
Origin Agritech Appoints New Board Member and CFO to Strengthen Leadership
- New Board Member: Origin Agritech has appointed Dr. Jian Zhang as an independent director, bringing over 20 years of experience in global crop biotechnology from leading firms like DuPont Pioneer, Syngenta, and BASF, which will enhance the company's technical leadership and support the commercialization of its seed technology pipeline.
- CFO Reappointment: Dr. Zheng James Chen returns as Chief Financial Officer, leveraging his extensive financial management experience within the company and deep understanding of its financial architecture, which is expected to provide continuity and strategic guidance during a critical phase of development.
- Executive Transition Context: Dr. Zhang's appointment follows the resignation of Dr. Changqing Mao as independent director on March 12, 2026, due to new professional commitments, reflecting the company's strategic adjustments in building its executive team.
- Company Growth Vision: Chairman Dr. Gengchen Han stated that the new leadership team will drive the company forward, with Dr. Zhang's global credentials and Dr. Chen's financial expertise providing robust support for Origin's expansion in international markets.
See More
Origin Agritech (SEED) Q2 2026 Earnings Transcript
See More
Origin Agritech Reports 31.9% Revenue Decline in 1H
- Revenue Decline: Origin Agritech reported first-half revenues of RMB 49.2 million (US$7.1 million) for fiscal 2026, reflecting a 31.9% decrease from RMB 72.3 million in the same period of fiscal 2025, primarily due to the company's strategic shift towards new corn seed products and a reduction in external seed tolling services.
- Improved Loss Per Share: The basic and diluted net loss per share for the first half of fiscal 2026 was RMB 1.21 (US$0.17), an improvement compared to a net loss per share of RMB 3.55 in the first half of fiscal 2025, indicating the company's ability to gradually control losses during its transition.
- Strategic Transition Impact: The company's strategic transition in its product portfolio, while resulting in short-term revenue declines, aims to enhance market competitiveness and profitability through a focus on new corn seed products, aligning with its long-term growth strategy.
- Market Reaction: Despite the revenue drop, market reactions to the company's transformation remain to be seen, and investors should monitor the potential growth in product sales and its impact on overall financial performance.
See More
Origin Agritech to Announce Financial Results on May 21
- Earnings Announcement Schedule: Origin Agritech is set to release its financial results for the first half of fiscal year 2026 on May 21, which is expected to provide investors with critical performance data and market insights.
- Conference Call Details: The company will host a conference call on May 22 at 8 a.m. ET, led by CEO Weibin Yan and CFO Z. James Chen, who will address investor questions, enhancing transparency and engagement.
- Investor Interaction: Investors are encouraged to submit questions via email by May 18, demonstrating the company's commitment to investor feedback and aiming to improve investor relations management.
- Webcast Replay Availability: The meeting will be available via webcast, allowing participants to replay the session for two weeks post-event, ensuring that those unable to attend live can still access important information, thereby enhancing information accessibility.
See More
Origin Agritech Launches Redesigned Website to Enhance Digital Experience
- Website Redesign: Origin Agritech's newly launched website features a modern, mobile-responsive design that enhances user experience with faster load times, aimed at showcasing the company's leadership in agricultural biotechnology.
- Audience-Centric Content: The new site reorganizes content around three core audiences—commercial partners, agricultural customers, and the global investment community—allowing each group to quickly access relevant information, thereby enhancing engagement.
- Brand Image Enhancement: The refreshed visual identity reinforces Origin Agritech's brand as a pioneer in GMO phytase corn and proprietary hybrid seed varieties, showcasing its innovation in crop biotechnology.
- Strategic Communication Initiative: This website redesign is part of a broader corporate communications strategy aimed at strengthening engagement with global capital markets and the international agricultural community, enhancing transparency and innovation perception.
See More
Origin Agritech Appoints New Board Member and CFO
- New Board Member: Origin Agritech has appointed Jian Zhang as an independent director, bringing over 20 years of experience in global crop biotechnology, which is expected to provide strategic guidance and support the company's growth in agricultural technology.
- CFO Reappointment: Zheng James Chen has been reappointed as Chief Financial Officer, and his extensive experience at Origin and deep understanding of the company's financial architecture are anticipated to effectively drive the next phase of the company's financial operations.
- Executive Changes: The addition of Zhang and the reappointment of Chen will inject new energy into the company, while Changqing Mao's resignation as independent director due to new professional commitments highlights the dynamic changes within the executive team.
- Background Context: Chen's previous service in multiple senior roles at Origin, along with his leadership positions at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and two publicly listed Nasdaq companies, underscores his unique qualifications to lead the company through future challenges.
See More
Origin Agritech Appoints New Board Member and CFO to Strengthen Leadership
- New Board Member: Origin Agritech has appointed Dr. Jian Zhang as an independent director, bringing over 20 years of experience in global crop biotechnology from leading firms like DuPont Pioneer, Syngenta, and BASF, which will enhance the company's technical leadership and support the commercialization of its seed technology pipeline.
- CFO Reappointment: Dr. Zheng James Chen returns as Chief Financial Officer, leveraging his extensive financial management experience within the company and deep understanding of its financial architecture, which is expected to provide continuity and strategic guidance during a critical phase of development.
- Executive Transition Context: Dr. Zhang's appointment follows the resignation of Dr. Changqing Mao as independent director on March 12, 2026, due to new professional commitments, reflecting the company's strategic adjustments in building its executive team.
- Company Growth Vision: Chairman Dr. Gengchen Han stated that the new leadership team will drive the company forward, with Dr. Zhang's global credentials and Dr. Chen's financial expertise providing robust support for Origin's expansion in international markets.
See More
