Social networking site LinkedIn names its first China president

LinkedIn has named a China president, indicating the professional networking site intends to formally launch in the country.

The vast global user base would help the only major global social networking site not blocked on the mainland to compete favourably with established domestic players, analysts said.

The company has named Derek Shen, former chief executive of Chinese group-buying website Nuomi, as its China head and vice-president.

LinkedIn has been studying the China market for years. While it is yet to launch a Chinese website, it has a mobile app in Chinese that has more than four million users.

"It's been flying below the radar for a while, probably observing the market and gathering information from existing users. I think they've finally decided to take the plunge," said independent technology industry observer Doug Young.

Chinese clones of LinkedIn abound, including Tianji, Dajie and Ushi. But an iResearch analyst said none of the wannabes has managed to gain control of the mainland market as they lack LinkedIn's focus.

The company's advantage over its Chinese clones will be its large, international network, said Young, an associate professor at Fudan University School of Journalism.