Lazada’s sister company Daraz Group has named James Dong, CEO of Lazada Group, as its new acting CEO, succeeding Bjarke Mikkelsen, effective on January 24. 

According to the company, Dong’s appointment as acting CEO will assist its long-term healthy development while also strengthening mutual learning and collaboration between the two businesses. His role at Lazada remains unchanged. 

“My North Star has always been to build Daraz into a business that is strong enough to survive in our markets for the long term,” said Bjarke Mikkelsen, CEO of Daraz Group. 

“This is the reason I’m now handing over the keys to the next generation of leaders in the company and my good friend James Dong, who will take over as acting CEO and work on a deeper integration between Daraz and our sister companies.” 

Mikkelsen’s departure was reportedly motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family and assist his wife in her new job. 

Daraz Group was created in 2015 and has collaborated with Lazada for mutual benefit in South Asia and Southeast Asia.