Airbnb Appoints Kong Zhiqiu as Asia Head, He Changhua to Lead China Business
Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB) announced on September 15, 2026, that Kong Zhiqiu, formerly head of its China business, will lead its Asia operations, covering China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. He Changhua, previously head of China growth, becomes head of Airbnb China and continues to report to Kong. He Changhua has been with Airbnb for more than nine years, overseeing product, growth, and marketing roles.
On September 15, 2026, US home-sharing platform Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB) announced that Kong Zhiqiu, formerly head of its China business, has been appointed head of its Asia business, while He Changhua, formerly head of China growth, has been appointed head of Airbnb China and will continue to report to Kong Zhiqiu.
As head of Airbnb's Asia business, Kong Zhiqiu will be fully responsible for the company's operations in markets including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Southeast Asia.
He Changhua will be fully responsible for Airbnb's China business, driving the formulation and implementation of local market strategy, deepening relationships with partners across different markets, and representing Airbnb in strengthening communication with local communities and stakeholders.
He Changhua has been with Airbnb for more than nine years, having successively overseen areas including product, growth, and marketing. Asia is home to the world's largest Gen Z population, and its traveling population continues to expand.
Why this event matters
The event has a measured impact on 2 industrys. The strongest current signal is neutral for Tourism, with intensity 20/100 and 50% confidence over a medium term horizon.
Tourism
- Direction
- neutral
- Intensity
- 20
- Confidence
- 50%
- Horizon
- Medium term
Hotels
- Direction
- neutral
- Intensity
- 15
- Confidence
- 50%
- Horizon
- Medium term
Impact figures are analytical estimates that combine direction, intensity, confidence and event importance. They are not investment advice.