https://www.cnbc.com/2018/11/09/alibaba-ceo-daniel-zhang-on-jack-ma-relationship-before-succession.html > Meetings between Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang and company co-founder Jack Ma were like brothers catching up for coffee after a long time. > That's how it seemed to Zhang, who offered insight into his bond with Ma in an exclusive CNBC interview that aired Friday. That relationship is in focus as the CEO is preparing to succeed Ma as the chairman of the Chinese e-commerce giant.