Li Shufu

Li Shufu is the chairman of Geely Automobile Holdings, one of China's largest automakers and one of the few not controlled by the state.

Through his private holding company, he has been expanding globally since 2010, when he acquired Swedish car brand Volvo.

Li has also bought stakes in Daimler, sportscar maker Lotus and flying car start-up Terrafugia.

Li told Forbes Asia in 2014 he made his first cars from the sand as a boy. "We couldn't afford any toys. I couldn't imagine making a real car."