Mr Niu was appointed chairman of Mengniu but relinquished his position as chief executive to Yang Wenjun, his deputy. Mr Yang and Mengniu refused to comment.

• 牛根生转任蒙牛乳业董事会主席，但将公司总裁一职让与其副手杨文俊。杨文俊与蒙牛乳业均拒绝置评。