https://www.cnbc.com/2018/09/20/jack-ma-says-he-wont-ever-come-back-to-lead-alibaba-after-he-leaves.html

TIANJIN, China —Jack Ma, the iconic co-founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, said Thursday that he will not return to run the company after his planned departure next year.

That'll still hold even if his successor is facing difficulties leading the tech behemoth, Ma said, adding that he expected to remain in frequent communication with the company.