Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, appointed co-founder Yi He as its co-CEO on Wednesday, joining Richard Teng in a dual leadership structure. Yi He, a long-time executive at Binance, has been with the company for over eight years and currently serves as its Chief Customer Service Officer, according to her LinkedIn profile. The leadership duo aims to responsibly expand Binance’s global presence and strengthen compliance. Yi’s appointment highlights a commitment to scaling operations while building a future-proof infrastructure.
“Yi has been an integral part of the executive leadership team since the launch of Binance,” said co-CEO Teng, who announced the news during his keynote speech at Binance Blockchain Week. Binance appointed Teng as CEO in 2023 after founder Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, pleaded guilty to violating U.S. money laundering laws. Zhao paid a $50 million fine and served nearly four months in prison last year. He is a Canadian citizen who was born and raised in China until the age of 12, while Yi He is a former host of a Chinese TV travel show.
The two were in a romantic relationship and have children together. Teng, who was a financial regulator before joining Binance, stated in November that no decision has been made regarding Zhao’s potential return to the exchange after he was pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump in October.