Meitu recently published its 2025 annual report. The disclosed director compensation revealed that Chairman Wu Zeyuan's total remuneration for the past year reached a substantial 33.17 million yuan, drawing significant public attention.

The annual report details that Wu Zeyuan's 2025 compensation of 33.17 million yuan comprised several components: director's fees of 325,000 yuan, a salary of 2.311 million yuan, a bonus of 2.32 million yuan, a pension scheme contribution of 98,000 yuan, other social security costs and benefits totaling 107,000 yuan, and share-based incentive payments of 28.011 million yuan. It is evident that a major portion of his remuneration stemmed from equity incentives.

Public information indicates Wu Zeyuan holds approximately 12.93% of the company's shares. Compared to his equity stake, the salary component of his income is relatively modest.

Background on the executive reveals Wu Zeyuan was born in 1981 in Quanzhou, Fujian province, and is currently 45 years old. His early life was notable; he was admitted to Quanzhou No.1 High School based on art competition awards and satisfactory academic performance. He later took a two-year break from high school to study at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou before returning to complete his secondary education.

However, Wu Zeyuan did not pursue a university degree. Instead, he embarked on entrepreneurship using 300,000 yuan earned from domain name investments. He entered China's internet industry at the age of 20, subsequently creating and launching several popular products. In 2008, he co-founded Meitu (HKEX: 01357) with Cai Wensheng, launching "Meitu Master," later renamed "Meitu Xiuxiu." Under his leadership, Meitu successfully achieved a public listing and grew to its current scale, with Wu Zeyuan playing a significant role in this development.

It is noteworthy that in 2025, Meitu reported total revenue of 3.859 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 28.8%. Net profit attributable to owners of the parent was approximately 698 million yuan, a decrease of 12.7% from the previous year. However, the adjusted net profit attributable to owners of the parent was 965 million yuan, showing a robust growth of 64.7%.

Analysis suggests Wu Zeyuan's personal wealth and compensation are deeply tied to Meitu's performance. As founder and CEO, he shoulders both decision-making pressures and execution responsibilities. His remuneration, to a certain extent, reflects the risks undertaken and costs incurred in pursuit of the company's long-term value.