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.
