Xiaodong "Tony" Tang, head of BlackRock China, is leaving the firm to explore other opportunities, a spokeswoman said in an email.
After four years helping to launch the $9.09 trillion money manager's business in China, Mr. Tang "expressed an interest in exploring opportunities outside BlackRock," the email said. Details on his future plans could not immediately be learned.
There is no change to the firm's strategy or commitment on China.
"China represents a significant opportunity for BlackRock to contribute to the financial futures of a new generation of investors, and we will continue to focus on developing market-leading investment management solutions for investors in China," the email said.
BlackRock's appointment last year of Susan Chan as deputy head of Asia-Pacific and head of Greater China reflects "the priority we place on building this business."
"As head of Greater China, Susan Chan has been leading our China business and working with some of the finest leaders in the industry to bring local market insight and industry expertise to serve our clients," the email added.
Whether Mr. Tang will be directly replaced could not immediately be learned.
Mr. Tang was named as BlackRock's first head of China in 2019, joining from GF Holdings (Hong Kong) Ltd. where he was CEO.
BlackRock was the first foreign money manager to be granted a license by the China Securities Regulatory Commission to run a 100%-owned fund management company on the mainland. The firm won approval for Shanghai-based BlackRock Fund Management Co. Ltd. to begin operations in 2021.
