Porter Erisman is an entrepreneur, award-winning filmmaker, and a leading expert on e-commerce and the Internet in China and emerging markets. As a former Vice President at Alibaba Group, he has over 20 years of firsthand experience with the rapid technological and economic transformation of China. His unique perspective is invaluable for understanding the dynamics of global business, digital strategy, and scaling ventures in developing nations.
Erisman began his career in China in 1994, transitioning from hosting a travel program on China Central Television to overseeing an Internet marketing group at Ogilvy & Mather in Beijing during the country’s early Internet boom. Lured by the excitement of the startup world, he joined Alibaba.com in April 2000, just as the company was beginning its ascent. He served as a Vice-President at Alibaba Group from 2000–2008, leading international website operations, international marketing, and corporate affairs.
His comprehensive knowledge is shared through his books and films. He is the author of Alibaba’s World: How a Remarkable Chinese Company is Changing the Face of Global Business (2015) and the director of the award-winning documentary film, Crocodile in the Yangtze: the Alibaba Story. This work provides an insider's view into one of the most remarkable corporate stories of the 21st century and the leadership strategies behind its success.
Since leaving Alibaba, Erisman has remained actively involved in startups in developing countries, consulting with e-commerce companies in India, Nigeria, China, and Vietnam. He is a frequent speaker at global conferences and has been featured in leading media, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and CNBC. His presentations offer audiences unmatched insights into global e-commerce trends, the complexity of the Chinese market, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in emerging markets.
