Jack Ma Wife: Inside His Marriage, Family Life, Love Story, and the Woman Behind the Alibaba Founder

You’re searching for Jack Ma wife because the Alibaba founder’s rise from English teacher to one of the most influential entrepreneurs of the 21st century is a story the world watches closely. Yet, behind Jack Ma’s global success is a woman who has stood firmly beside him long before he became famous and wealthy. As Jack Ma became known as the face of e-commerce in China—and later faced political scrutiny and stepped back from public life—interest in his family, especially his wife, grew stronger.

If you want a full, detailed look at who Jack Ma’s wife is, how they met, what their marriage is like, and the family they built together, this article gives you everything you need.

Who Jack Ma Is and Why People Want to Know About His Wife

Jack Ma, born September 10, 1964, in Hangzhou, China, is the co-founder and former executive chairman of Alibaba Group—a multinational conglomerate specializing in e-commerce, technology, cloud services, finance, logistics, and entertainment. His success story is legendary: rejected from dozens of jobs (including KFC), failing entrance exams multiple times, and starting Alibaba with a small group of friends in his apartment, he went on to become one of the richest individuals in Asia.

Because of his fame and highly public career, people have long been curious about the private side of Jack Ma—especially the woman who supported him since his early struggles. Fans want to know: Who is she? What role did she play in his journey? What is their marriage like behind closed doors?

Who Is Jack Ma’s Wife?

Jack Ma’s wife is Zhang Ying, also known as Cathy Zhang. She is a quiet, supportive, and intelligent woman who has stayed outside the spotlight despite her husband’s global visibility. Zhang Ying is admired for her humility, loyalty, and grounded nature.

She has been by Jack Ma’s side since before Alibaba, before Taobao, before leadership conferences and world stages. She believed in him when no one else did—even when he struggled to find a job or direction in life.

Zhang Ying’s Background: A Private Yet Powerful Partner

Zhang Ying was born and raised in China and studied at Hangzhou Teacher’s Institute—now known as Hangzhou Normal University—the same school Jack Ma attended. She is described by former classmates as:

bright and academically strong
friendly and respectful
modest in personality
deeply committed to education and family

Before becoming part of Jack Ma’s entrepreneurial journey, she worked as a teacher. She values privacy and rarely gives interviews, choosing to support her husband quietly rather than seek fame.

How Jack Ma and Zhang Ying Met

Jack Ma and Zhang Ying met while studying at Hangzhou Teacher’s Institute in the 1980s. They were classmates who gradually developed a close friendship based on shared values, humor, and intellectual connection.

Their love story began in a simple and authentic way. Both came from humble families, and neither had money or connections. They bonded over ambition and determination rather than glamour or wealth.

Zhang Ying has spoken fondly about those early days, describing Jack as:

hardworking
optimistic
creative
generous
confident, even when he had little

She once famously said she wasn’t attracted to his looks—but to his mind and potential.

Their Marriage: Built on Simplicity and Strength

Jack Ma and Zhang Ying married in the late 1980s, long before Jack became a tech titan. Their early marriage was marked by financial struggle. They lived modestly, sometimes working multiple jobs to support themselves.

Zhang Ying consistently believed in her husband’s vision, even when others doubted him. Jack Ma often credits her for providing emotional stability and encouragement during the hardest phases of his career.

Their marriage is grounded in:

mutual respect
shared values
emotional resilience
humility
teamwork

They avoid excess luxury and have always emphasized education, simplicity, and giving back to society.

Zhang Ying’s Role in the Creation of Alibaba

Zhang Ying wasn’t just a supportive spouse—she was an original contributor to Alibaba’s earliest days. When Jack Ma founded Alibaba with 17 friends in his Hangzhou apartment in 1999, she played several key roles:

She Supported Financially

In the beginning, the couple used their savings to fund basic operations. Zhang’s willingness to take financial risks helped build stability.

She Helped Run the Office

She handled logistics, small administrative tasks, and team coordination in the early startup environment.

She Encouraged Jack’s Leadership

Zhang Ying helped Jack stay focused during investor rejections, slow progress, and doubts.

She Believed in the Team Structure

She has said she admired Jack’s ability to inspire people, even when he had nothing material to offer. She believed in him before the world did.

Her influence was quiet but powerful, shaping the emotional foundation that allowed Alibaba to grow into one of the world’s largest tech companies.

A Marriage Unaffected by Wealth

Jack Ma often says that his wife helped him stay grounded after his rise to fame and wealth. Despite becoming billionaires, they have maintained a simple lifestyle focusing on:

family
education
philanthropy
cultural values
community engagement

Zhang Ying is known for reminding Jack to remain humble and to keep perspective.

She once said:

“He isn’t handsome, but I fell in love with him because he does things that handsome men cannot do.”

This quote reflects the deep admiration and practicality that defines their relationship.

Their Children: A Low-Profile and Well-Educated Family

Jack Ma and Zhang Ying have three children:

Ma Yuankun (also known as Jerry Ma) – their son
A younger daughter
A second daughter or younger child (details remain private)

The Ma children’s lives are kept deliberately out of the public eye. Jack and Zhang prefer privacy and believe fame should not shape their children’s upbringing.

They focus heavily on education and personal development rather than pushing them into business or politics.

Jerry Ma has studied in the United States, but he rarely appears in the media.

Zhang Ying’s Personality and Public Image

Although she avoids interviews, Zhang is described consistently as:

humble
soft-spoken
loyal
supportive
strong-willed
intelligent

She dislikes public attention and avoids glamour, preferring to maintain a close-knit family environment.

Her stability contrasts with Jack Ma’s charismatic, animated personality—but that balance is part of why their marriage works.

Life After Jack Ma Stepped Back from Public Roles

Since Jack Ma stepped away from Alibaba leadership and reduced his public appearances, Zhang Ying has been even more central to his life. The couple reportedly spends more time traveling, focusing on education and philanthropy, and enjoying a quieter lifestyle.

Jack has spoken about wanting more time with his family after decades of intense work, and Zhang is part of that shift toward a slower, more peaceful life.

Why People Admire Jack Ma and Zhang Ying’s Marriage

Their relationship resonates because it is:

grounded in real love, not fame
strengthened by shared struggle
unaffected by material wealth
built on trust and mutual support
private in a world obsessed with publicity

Zhang Ying represents the quiet strength behind one of the world’s most well-known entrepreneurs.

So, Who Is Jack Ma’s Wife?

Here is the complete answer:

Jack Ma’s wife is Zhang Ying, also known as Cathy Zhang. She is a former teacher, a supportive partner, and an early contributor to Alibaba’s beginnings. They married before Jack’s rise to fame and built a strong, grounded life together. Zhang Ying is private, humble, and devoted to her family, playing a key role behind the scenes in Jack’s journey from unknown English teacher to global business icon.

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