China Lodging Group Founder Mr. Ji Qi

Having started with economy hotels in 2005, Ji Qi, Founder of the China Lodging Group, gradually brought in midscale and upscale properties into his portfolio. This case looks at how he did it. The authors are Professor of Entrepreneurship S. Ramakrishna Velamuri and Case Writer Dong Liang.

Growth has been phenomenal for China Lodging Group, and targets going forward are equally so. But challenges abound. Apart from organisational challenges such as maintaining corporate culture and competencies, and talent acquisition, there is also stiff competition from both Chinese and international hotel groups. How can Mr Ji leverage his group's resources and experience accumulated from the middle and low-end segments to shake up the upper-middle and top-end - and even luxury hotel segments? Read the full case study in Business Today.