Meet The Man Behind The Labubu Doll, Wang Ning, CEO Of Pop Mart And China's 10th Richest Person

If you have been on the internet lately, you are surely aware of the viral Labubu dolls. The cutest monsters have taken over the internet with their unique looks and adorable clothing. However, for those who are not aware, Labubu is a brand of collectable plus toy monster elves, which has everyone hooked. Created by Hong Kong and Belgian-based designer Kasing Lung and marketed and sold exclusively by China-based retailer Pop Mart, Labubu dolls are the latest hype among netizens. Labubu was designed in 1972 as part of Kasing Lung's story, The Monsters, but it was Pop Mart that made the figurines a hit among collectors in 2019, and with the growing market, it became a must-have in 2025.

However, do you know whose mind was behind making the Labubu doll a viral product in 2019? Bringing over 300 collectable figurines in the market, ranging in price and sizes to become a staple in every home, was the CEO and Founder of Pop Mart, Wang Ning. The face behind the most popular collectable in present times remained behind the scenes, perfecting the strategy behind the doll till it boomed in the market. The rise in demand not only favoured the company but also made Wang one of the richest persons in China. So, while we continue to obsess over Labubu, let's also take a look at the journey of the man behind the viral doll.

Who is Wang Ning?

Wang Ning is the driving force behind the explosive growth of Pop Mart. The 38-year-old founder, chairman and chief executive officer of the company changed the trajectory of his company with one successful project after another. Born in 1987 in Huojia County, Henan, China, his parents ran a small commerce business. However, Wang had dreams that were too big for the small business. After completing his undergraduate degree in advertising from Sias University in 2009, he decided to start his own company, Pop Mart.

After devoting a few years to the initial stages of his company, he also pursued an MBA from Peking University's Guanghua School of Management in 2017 and later attained an EMBA from the Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance. The academic qualifications backed by his zeal and knowledge of the business soon took his company, Pop Mart, to new heights. 

Wang Ning's early career and rise of Pop Mart

Wang Ning worked with Sina Corporation for a year before taking inspiration from Gashapon vending machines in Japan and founding the first Pop Mart variety store in Zhongguancun, Beijing. For the uninitiated, Gashapon was a type of vending machine that dispensed capsule toys. This sales method originated in the 1960s and has since become extremely popular in Japan. The store initially sold comic books and phone accessories. However, they soon shifted to collectible toys once Wang saw there was a massive gap in the market for such stores. 

Wang Ning soon began selling small figurines in blind boxes for around 10 US dollars each. The concept was the same as the vending machine, allowing buyers to experience the element of surprise when purchasing the toy. Over the years, Pop Mart grew and developed toy lines in partnership with several Hong Kong-based artists, including Kenny Wong, which took the company to new heights. 

Wang Ning's collaboration with Kenny Wong and the popularity of Labubu

It was in 2016, when Wang Ning collaborated with Kenny Wong for the first time. The duo put their heads together to bring the toy series, 'Molly', to life. Soon enough, the line proved to be a massive success, paving the way for what would become the biggest success in the toy industry in a long time. Barbie and Hot Wheels have been among the most beloved childhood toys for generations. However, for Wang, there was space for something that was beyond categorisation, hence his collaboration with Kenny resulted in the creation of something that was adorable yet not too out there, something not just for children but also found intriguing by adults. 

Yes! We are talking about the Labubu dolls, which were created in 2019 in collaboration with Pop Mart. Inspired by Kasing Lung's story, The Monsters. The partnership proved fruitful, and soon Labubu was in high demand among collectors. Labubu skyrocketed the growth of Pop Mart and Wang  Ning to the stratosphere. Its playful yet slightly fierce look, combined with furry bodies, wide eyes, and sharp teeth, has become one of the best collaborations by Wang Ning.

Wang Ning soon introduced Labubu for everyone

Pop Mart went public in 2020, following the company's growth since the introduction of Labubu. However, Wang Ning didn't stop there; the businessman introduced 300 varieties of Labubu dolls, ranging from 15 US dollars for a three-inch vinyl figure to a 960 US dollars 31-inch mega edition collector's item. In June 2025, the company also introduced a four-foot-tall, mint-green Labubu, which was sold for 170,000 US dollars at an auction in Beijing. The dolls have become one of the most popular toys in 2025, with several celebrities, including Blackpink's Lisa, endorsing the doll.

Wang Ning becomes the 10th richest man in China

Wang Ning has been extremely private about his personal life. However, his success as the CEO and founder of Pop Mart has not gone unnoticed and finally, years of effort, hard work and diligence have paid off. The businessman has marked his place among the top 10 richest individuals in China with a massive net worth of 22.7 billion US dollars. 

Wang Ning's journey in the toy industry has truly been commendable. What are your thoughts on his growth and Labubu dolls? Let us know.

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