Beijing, China
September 12, 2025
Streamlined Board to Support the Company’s Growth and Governance Objectives
Origin Agritech Ltd. (NASDAQ: SEED) (the “Company” or “Origin”), a leading Chinese agricultural technology company, today announced the appointment of two new independent directors as part of a comprehensive board restructuring initiative. The Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved the appointments during a meeting held earlier today, implementing a streamlined governance structure that reduces the Board from seven to five members.
On September 11, 2025, Ms. Fei Wang, Dr. Michael Trimble, Dr. Min Lin, and Mr. Chi Kin Cheng, all directors of the Company, submitted letters of resignation indicating their intention to resign as the Company’s directors, effective September 12, 2025, which the Board has accepted. Mr. Cheng will remain as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.
The Company has appointed Dr. Changqing Mao as Independent Director and Chairman of the Nomination Committee, and Mr. Siu Laam Hau as Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee. Both appointments are effective immediately and strengthen Origin’s corporate governance capabilities with seasoned expertise in agricultural industry leadership and financial oversight.
Dr. Changqing Mao brings exceptional agricultural industry expertise and senior executive leadership to Origin’s Board. Dr. Mao holds a Doctoral degree and currently serves as Co-Chairman of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Research Center of China Agricultural University. His distinguished career includes serving as General Manager of CITIC AgriScience Co., Ltd., Chairman of Yuan Longping Agricultural High-Tech Co., Ltd., and Chairman of CITIC Agricultural Industry Fund Management Co., Ltd. Dr. Mao’s extensive background includes senior analytical and strategic roles at CITIC Securities, where he served as Chief Analyst of Agriculture, Forestry, Animal Husbandry and Fishery Industry and Chief Strategist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from China Agricultural University, an MBA from Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management, and a Doctor of Law degree from Jilin University.
Mr. Siu Laam Hau contributes significant financial and corporate governance expertise to the Board. Mr. Hau is a Fellow Member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA). He holds the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) designation from the Global Association of Risk Professionals. He currently serves as Executive Director of Asian Capital Limited, where he is licensed as a responsible officer to conduct corporate finance regulated activities. Mr. Hau previously served as Independent Non-Executive Director of Hong Kong-listed Trio Industrial Electronics Group Limited, where he chaired the remuneration committee and served on the audit and nomination committees. His professional experience spans corporate finance, restructuring services, and audit engagements with leading firms, including KPMG and PKF. Mr. Hau holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree with majors in Accountancy and Corporate Finance from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our outgoing directors for their contributions and welcome Dr. Mao and Mr. Hau to Origin’s Board of Directors,” said Dr. Gengchen Han, Chairman of the Board of Origin Agritech. “Dr. Mao’s deep agricultural industry knowledge and proven track record in leading major agricultural enterprises will be invaluable as we continue to expand our biotechnology seed pipeline and market presence. Mr. Hau’s extensive financial expertise and corporate governance experience will strengthen our oversight capabilities and support our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of financial reporting and risk management.”
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