BEIJING—Jack Ma, the billionaire tycoon who rode the currents of China’s rising affluence to build one of the world’s biggest e-commerce companies, is planning a transition out of his role as executive chairman at Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to focus on philanthropy and other pursuits, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Mr. Ma is expected to disclose his plans, including a timeline for the transition, on Monday, when he turns 54, the person said. The person emphasized that Mr. Ma wants to ensure an orderly transition...