Novaland (NVL) appoints former actor Chi Bao as Deputy General Director of Investment Development

Overview

Novaland Group (NVL) has appointed former actor Pham Gia Chi Bao as Deputy General Director of Investment Development, according to a local government meeting on April 22. Chi Bao led a Novaland delegation to Lam Dong province to propose a large-scale urban complex project spanning 5,000-7,000 hectares in Nam Ban commune.

Key Facts

• Former actor Pham Gia Chi Bao appointed as Deputy General Director of Investment Development at Novaland Group.
• Chi Bao previously served as General Director and legal representative of Novaland Dat Tam, a Novaland subsidiary, since 2022.
• Novaland proposed a 5,000-7,000 ha urban complex in Nam Ban, Lam Dong province, connected to the Lien Khuong-Prenn highway.
• The project is based on three main pillars: urban, tourism, and services.
• Novaland Dat Tam was established in February 2022 with charter capital of VND 100 billion, 51% owned by Novaland.
• NVL shares closed at VND 18, up 2.63% on April 15, 2026, with volume of 35.9 million shares.

What Happened

On April 22, the People’s Committee of Nam Ban commune in Lam Ha district, Lam Dong province, held a meeting with provincial departments and Novaland Group to discuss investment attraction and planning. During the meeting, Novaland proposed developing a large-scale urban complex model in Nam Ban, with an estimated scale of 5,000-7,000 hectares, based on three main pillars: urban, tourism, and services. The project aims to create a multi-functional urban-tourism-service ecosystem, enhance regional connectivity, and reduce pressure on central areas.

Notably, former actor Pham Gia Chi Bao appeared as the head of Novaland’s delegation, with the title of Deputy General Director of Investment Development. Chi Bao had previously been General Director and legal representative of Novaland Dat Tam, a Novaland subsidiary in real estate, since 2022. Novaland Dat Tam was established in February 2022 with charter capital of VND 100 billion, of which Novaland holds 51%.

Market Context

NVL shares closed at VND 18 on April 15, 2026, up 2.63% with high volume of 35.9 million shares. The stock has been under pressure due to the company’s debt restructuring and asset sales. The appointment of a high-profile figure like Chi Bao may be seen as an effort to boost investor confidence and signal new project development. Novaland is listed on HOSE and is one of Vietnam’s largest real estate developers.

Strategic Significance

The appointment of Chi Bao, a well-known former actor with extensive business interests, to a senior role at Novaland underscores the company’s strategy to leverage personal networks and media attention for project development. The proposed Lam Dong project, if realized, would be one of the largest urban complexes in the region, potentially diversifying Novaland’s project pipeline beyond its core Ho Chi Minh City area developments. However, the company’s high debt levels and ongoing restructuring remain key concerns for long-term investors.

What to Watch

• Progress of the Lam Dong project feasibility study and approval from provincial authorities.
• Novaland’s Q1 2026 earnings report for updates on debt repayment and cash flow.
• Any further management changes or appointments at Novaland.
• Updates on the company’s restructuring plan and asset sales.
• Market reaction to the news in NVL share price and trading volume.