Alibaba's entertainment group renamed after killer whale as it seeks to revive growth
Alibaba Group Holding is renaming its digital entertainment division as part of a broader push to reinvigorate growth outside its core e-commerce and cloud businesses.
Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group will be renamed Hujing Digital Media and Entertainment Group, using the Chinese name for the orca, or killer whale, Alibaba said in a statement on its official WeChat account on Wednesday.
'Orcas are large but flexible and smart, and can adapt to various complex environments,' the entertainment group said in a letter to employees. 'These characteristics are very consistent with the concept pursued by the entertainment group: digital intelligence, symbiosis and happiness.'
The rebranding adds to Alibaba's 'zoo', as some refer to the technology conglomerate's animal-themed businesses. It includes Tmall, represented by a black cat, and logistics unit Cainiao, which literally means 'rookie bird'.
The move aligns with Alibaba's strategy to 'return to the original mission and start a new business', the company said.
Alibaba, which owns the South China Morning Post, two years ago announced a sweeping restructuring that split the company into six distinct business groups. It is now seeking to break down its internal silos.
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