Former Goldman Sachs Partner and Canadian Olympian Michael Evans has been granted the title of President of Alibaba Group.

The role, which becomes effective this week, puts Evans in charge of leading and executing Alibaba Group's international growth strategy to globalize the company and grow the business outside of China. He will report to Alibaba Group CEO Daniel Zhang.

Evans will continue his service as a management member of the Alibaba Group Board, having previously served as an independent director since the company's initial public offering in September 2014.

Evans' early focus will be on forging close partnerships with key brands, retailers and product owners in Europe, the Americas and Asia to help these important players swiftly and efficiently connect to the large China consumer market.

Prior to joining Alibaba, Evans spent 30 years in global finance, including the last 20 years as a partner of Goldman Sachs, where he served as vice chairman, head of Global Growth Markets, and chairman of Asia. Evans also won an Olympic gold medal for his home country Canada as a member of the men's eights rowing team in the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics.