Alibaba hires ex-Goldman Sachs, Olympic gold medallist to lead expansion in United States

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd is hoping a Canadian Olympic gold medallist once tipped to be the next chief executive of Goldman Sachs will help them make it big in the United States.

Michael Evans, who turns 58 this month, retired from the US investment bank in 2013, having forged a reputation as one of the most prolific deal makers in Alibaba’s native China during a seven year stint in Hong Kong between 2004 and 2011.

Now he is tasked with leading the e-commerce giant’s expansion outside its homeland, an assignment that will be particularly tough in the US given regulators’ sometimes hostile attitude to Chinese firms buying American technology assets.

"Evans was Mr China back when he was at Goldman," said Eugene Tan, head of Asian Investment Banking at Oppenheimer Investments Asia limited.

"For a Westerner he was regarded as knowing how the country works and he’ll be a useful face for Alibaba to fight off negative sentiments as they try and break into the US market".

Reuters was unable to contact Evans outside of normal working hours in the US, where he is currently based.

As well smoothing the way for acquisitions, Evans will be expected to seal partnership arrangements for Alibaba with brands and retailers across the US as well as in Europe and the rest of Asia.