Chinese drone company Ehang announced that Yan Zhiqing, Microsoft Greater China's former vice president and general manager for marketing and operations, has joined Ehang as chief operating officer and co-founder.

After joining Ehang, Yan will be responsible for the global operation and management of Ehang Group.

Yan joined Microsoft in 2000. In 2011, he was appointed general manager of the Microsoft Azure business unit in China; and in 2014, he was promoted to Microsoft Greater China vice president and general manager for marketing and operations.

Ehang is a technology-oriented enterprise that is specializing in smart drone R&D, manufacturing and sales. Founded in April, 2014 and headquartered in Guangzhou, Ehang has branches in Beijing, Shanghai and San Francisco, with over 150 employees.