The chairman of one of China's largest conglomerates has died in an accident
- Wang Jian, chairman of Chinese conglomerate HNA dies in accident during French business trip.
- The company said Jian had a fall.
- "HNA Group extends deepest condolences to Mr. Wang's family and many friends," HNA said in a statement.
Wang Jian, the cofounder and chairman of one of China's biggest conglomerates, HNA, has died during a business trip in France, the company said on Wednesday.
Jian, who was 57 years old, died in an accident, the company said. He suffered a fall on the trip, HNA said, but did not reveal any further details.
"HNA Group extends deepest condolences to Mr. Wang's family and many friends," HNA said in a statement.
"Together, we mourn the loss of an exceptionally gifted leader and role model, whose vision and values will continue to be a beacon for all who had the good fortune to know him, as well as for the many others whose lives he touched through his work and philanthropy."
Jian was a civil aviation official early in his career before helping to found Hainan Airlines in the early 1990s. Hainan then grew into a major conglomerate with interests in not only aviation but also real estate, financial services, tourism, and logistics.
The company's website was changed to the colour grey on Wednesday morning as a gesture of respect to Wang Jian.