It was typical of Jack Ma that the news of his decision to step back from the management of Alibaba was handled in an untidy way; disclosed in an interview that was first denied and then confirmed by the company.
Eventually, Alibaba released a letter in which Ma explained in moving terms the background to his decision to step down in a year's time as executive chairman of Alibaba, and his hopes for the company's future under his successor, Daniel Zhang, who is currently CEO.
