Origin Agritech Appoints Jian Zhang as Independent Director
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 24 2026
0mins
Should l Buy SEED?
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.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy SEED?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on SEED
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 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 Appoints New Director 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 is expected to enhance the company's seed technology commercialization in China and international markets.
- Financial Leadership Role: Dr. Zheng James Chen re-assumes the role of Chief Financial Officer, leveraging his extensive experience at Origin and deep understanding of the company's financial architecture to provide continuity and strategic guidance during a critical phase of development.
- Executive Changes Context: The appointment of Dr. Zhang follows the resignations of Dr. Changqing Mao and Mr. Chi Kin Cheng, with the former leaving for new professional commitments and the latter for personal development, indicating a strategic adjustment in the company's leadership.
- Dual Advantage in Expertise: Chairman Dr. Gengchen Han emphasized that the combination of Dr. Zhang's global biotech expertise and Dr. Chen's financial acumen creates a robust leadership team capable of effectively driving the company's future growth.
See More
Origin Agritech Reports Net Loss for FY 2025
- Declining Financial Performance: Origin Agritech reported a net loss from continuing operations of RMB 58.0 million (US$8.2 million) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, contrasting with a net income of RMB 18.7 million (US$2.7 million) in FY 2024, indicating a significant decline in profitability.
- Increased Attributable Loss: The net loss attributable to Origin for FY 2025 was RMB 53.3 million (US$7.5 million), compared to a net income of RMB 20.7 million (US$3.0 million) in FY 2024, reflecting heightened pressures in the competitive market and ongoing deterioration in profitability.
- Revenue Decline: Revenue for FY 2025 was RMB 91.3 million (US$12.8 million), down from RMB 113.4 million (US$16.2 million) in FY 2024, suggesting challenges in sales and market expansion that could impact future investment attractiveness.
- Uncertain Market Outlook: The ongoing losses and revenue decline raise questions about Origin Agritech's future market outlook, prompting investors to closely monitor how the company addresses its current financial challenges and potential strategic adjustments.
See More
Origin Agritech Files Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025
- Declining Financial Performance: For the fiscal year 2025, Origin Agritech reported revenue of RMB 91.3 million (US$12.8 million), a 19.9% decrease from RMB 113.4 million (US$16.2 million) in fiscal year 2024, primarily due to reduced external seed production services resulting from equipment upgrades at the Xinjiang factory, impacting overall sales performance.
- Increased Net Loss: The net loss for fiscal year 2025 was RMB 53.3 million (US$7.5 million), a stark contrast to the net income of RMB 20.7 million (US$3.0 million) in fiscal year 2024, highlighting the challenges and market pressures faced during the recovery phase.
- Improved Cash Flow Position: As of September 30, 2025, the company had approximately RMB 15.9 million (US$2.2 million) in cash and cash equivalents, up from RMB 8.4 million (US$1.2 million) in 2024, indicating a positive cash flow trend with net cash provided by financing activities amounting to RMB 44.3 million (US$6.2 million).
- Strategic Plan Execution: CEO Weibin Yan stated that 2025 is a recovery year for the company, with full restoration of team and R&D capabilities, and plans to gradually achieve industry leadership by 2026 and 2027, reflecting the company's confidence and strategic positioning for future growth.
See More
Origin Agritech Files Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025
- Declining Financial Performance: For the fiscal year 2025, Origin Agritech reported revenue of RMB 91.3 million (US$12.8 million), a 19.8% decrease from RMB 113.4 million (US$16.2 million) in 2024, primarily due to reduced external seed production services from equipment upgrades at the Xinjiang factory, negatively impacting overall sales performance.
- Strengthened R&D Partnerships: The company established a three-way partnership with China Agricultural University and the Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, focusing on corn 'smart plant type' improvement and innovative variety development, highlighting its strategic positioning and influence in the agricultural technology sector.
- Product Portfolio Expansion: At the August 2025 Industry Summit, Origin launched four new corn varieties, with 'Jinqiao 8' receiving approval for introduction in five provinces, indicating the company's innovative product capabilities and positive market demand response.
- Management Confidence Restoration: CEO Weibin Yan stated that 2025 has been a recovery year for the company, with the team and sales network fully restored, and future plans to implement a three-stage strategy aiming to regain industry leadership from 2030 to 2032, demonstrating confidence in future growth.
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 Appoints New Director 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 is expected to enhance the company's seed technology commercialization in China and international markets.
- Financial Leadership Role: Dr. Zheng James Chen re-assumes the role of Chief Financial Officer, leveraging his extensive experience at Origin and deep understanding of the company's financial architecture to provide continuity and strategic guidance during a critical phase of development.
- Executive Changes Context: The appointment of Dr. Zhang follows the resignations of Dr. Changqing Mao and Mr. Chi Kin Cheng, with the former leaving for new professional commitments and the latter for personal development, indicating a strategic adjustment in the company's leadership.
- Dual Advantage in Expertise: Chairman Dr. Gengchen Han emphasized that the combination of Dr. Zhang's global biotech expertise and Dr. Chen's financial acumen creates a robust leadership team capable of effectively driving the company's future growth.
See More
Origin Agritech Reports Net Loss for FY 2025
- Declining Financial Performance: Origin Agritech reported a net loss from continuing operations of RMB 58.0 million (US$8.2 million) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, contrasting with a net income of RMB 18.7 million (US$2.7 million) in FY 2024, indicating a significant decline in profitability.
- Increased Attributable Loss: The net loss attributable to Origin for FY 2025 was RMB 53.3 million (US$7.5 million), compared to a net income of RMB 20.7 million (US$3.0 million) in FY 2024, reflecting heightened pressures in the competitive market and ongoing deterioration in profitability.
- Revenue Decline: Revenue for FY 2025 was RMB 91.3 million (US$12.8 million), down from RMB 113.4 million (US$16.2 million) in FY 2024, suggesting challenges in sales and market expansion that could impact future investment attractiveness.
- Uncertain Market Outlook: The ongoing losses and revenue decline raise questions about Origin Agritech's future market outlook, prompting investors to closely monitor how the company addresses its current financial challenges and potential strategic adjustments.
See More
Origin Agritech Files Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025
- Declining Financial Performance: For the fiscal year 2025, Origin Agritech reported revenue of RMB 91.3 million (US$12.8 million), a 19.9% decrease from RMB 113.4 million (US$16.2 million) in fiscal year 2024, primarily due to reduced external seed production services resulting from equipment upgrades at the Xinjiang factory, impacting overall sales performance.
- Increased Net Loss: The net loss for fiscal year 2025 was RMB 53.3 million (US$7.5 million), a stark contrast to the net income of RMB 20.7 million (US$3.0 million) in fiscal year 2024, highlighting the challenges and market pressures faced during the recovery phase.
- Improved Cash Flow Position: As of September 30, 2025, the company had approximately RMB 15.9 million (US$2.2 million) in cash and cash equivalents, up from RMB 8.4 million (US$1.2 million) in 2024, indicating a positive cash flow trend with net cash provided by financing activities amounting to RMB 44.3 million (US$6.2 million).
- Strategic Plan Execution: CEO Weibin Yan stated that 2025 is a recovery year for the company, with full restoration of team and R&D capabilities, and plans to gradually achieve industry leadership by 2026 and 2027, reflecting the company's confidence and strategic positioning for future growth.
See More
Origin Agritech Files Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2025
- Declining Financial Performance: For the fiscal year 2025, Origin Agritech reported revenue of RMB 91.3 million (US$12.8 million), a 19.8% decrease from RMB 113.4 million (US$16.2 million) in 2024, primarily due to reduced external seed production services from equipment upgrades at the Xinjiang factory, negatively impacting overall sales performance.
- Strengthened R&D Partnerships: The company established a three-way partnership with China Agricultural University and the Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, focusing on corn 'smart plant type' improvement and innovative variety development, highlighting its strategic positioning and influence in the agricultural technology sector.
- Product Portfolio Expansion: At the August 2025 Industry Summit, Origin launched four new corn varieties, with 'Jinqiao 8' receiving approval for introduction in five provinces, indicating the company's innovative product capabilities and positive market demand response.
- Management Confidence Restoration: CEO Weibin Yan stated that 2025 has been a recovery year for the company, with the team and sales network fully restored, and future plans to implement a three-stage strategy aiming to regain industry leadership from 2030 to 2032, demonstrating confidence in future growth.
See More
