A former senior product executive at DingTalk, Alibaba’s enterprise messaging unit, published a lengthy internal letter upon leaving the company, criticizing Alibaba’s cultural erosion, failed M&A strategy, and lack of innovation. The post prompted a rare response from Alibaba founder Jack Ma.

The memo has triggered wide internal and public reflection on the company’s direction. Once celebrated for its mission-driven culture, Alibaba is now facing mounting scrutiny over its bureaucracy, stagnation, and a lack of clear strategic direction.

The former executive, known internally as Yuan An, wrote a nearly 10,000-character post outlining Alibaba’s decline in values and strategic focus since 2017.

Alibaba founder Jack Ma replied internally, acknowledging Yuan’s concerns and thanking him for the post. 

Jack Ma’s internal response is the latest in a series of public and private acknowledgments from Alibaba leadership about the company’s troubles. CEO Eddie Wu and Chairman Joe Tsai have recently pledged to treat Alibaba “like a startup again,” as the firm seeks to reposition itself amid rising competition and slowing growth in China’s internet sector.