Zhang Ruimin, Founder of Haier, Resigns as Board Chairman and Zhou Yunjie Is Elected

Chinese home appliances and electronics giant Haier Group issued an announcement on Friday that Zhang Ruimin, the firm’s 72-year-old founder, volunteered not to participate in the nomination of new directors at the staff meeting.

It is reported that a new management committee and board of directors have been selected at this meeting. The new board of directors invited Zhang Ruimin back as an Honorary Chairman, elected Zhou Yunjie as Chairman and appointed him as CEO, also appointing Liang Haishan as President.

Public information shows that Zhou Yunjie graduated from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in July 1988, and later joined Qingdao Refrigerator General Factory, the predecessor of Haier Group, in July of the same year. After years of career development, he served as Vice Chairman of the company board of directors and as President of Haier Group since 2016.

SEE ALSO: Geely in Talks to Sell Zeekr EVs at Home Appliance Giant Haier’s Stores: Report

According to firm’s official website, Zhang Ruimin came to Qingdao Refrigerator General Factory as the plant director in 1984. In 1991, in the first “China Well-Known Trademark” selection, Haier became the only winner of this award in the household appliance industry. By 2020, Haier Group’s global turnover has exceeded 300 billion yuan ($46.86 billion) with total profits exceeding 40 billion yuan. Haier Smart Home, one of its listed companies, has become a Fortune Global 500 business. As of press time, its market value is about 250 billion yuan.