Chinese group buying website Meituan.com announced that Gan Jiawei, former vice president of Alibaba.com, will join the company as its new chief operating officer.

Gan joined Alibaba.com in 2000 and he held several positions, including operating director, marketing director, regional manager, and vice president, in the company. With rich experience in corporate operations, sales management, and SME services, Gan will focus on improving the enterprise management level and operation efficiency of Meituan.com’s Internet group discount buying services in his new role.

Gan told local media that the reason for his joining in Meituan.com is because he is optimistic about the e-commerce industry in China.

Wang Xing, chief executive officer of Meituan.com, revealed that the company is currently undergoing rapid development with a monthly growth rate of 20%. In November 2011, its sales are expected to reach over CNY200 million.