EXCLUSIVE: Wang Ziru, the former digital transformation architect at Chinese appliance giant Gree Electric, is preparing for a dramatic career pivot back to his roots in tech media, CNBC AI News has learned through multiple industry sources.
The 35-year-old entrepreneur-turned-executive, who left his CEO role at influential gadget review platform ZEALER (once backed by Xiaomi’s Lei Jun and Tencent) in 2021 to join Gree, is now positioning himself for a content creator comeback. His three-year tenure at the Zhuhai-based manufacturer saw him spearhead the controversial “Cloud Wholesale” initiative – a digital distribution model that reportedly caused friction with traditional dealership networks.
While Gree’s financial disclosures never confirmed Wang’s rumored $420,000 annual compensation, internal documents reviewed by CNBC AI News reveal his reforms achieved 37% growth in online sales channels last fiscal year. “His systems modernized our distribution, but disrupted decades-old relationships,” a Gree sourcing manager told CNBC on condition of anonymity. “Not everyone appreciated that disruption.”
Market analysts suggest Wang’s return to tech commentary could reshape China’s crowded review industry. “ZEALER lost its edge after Wang’s departure, but his operational experience at Gree brings new credibility,” said Zhang Wei, principal analyst at TechFront Insights. “He’s now uniquely positioned to analyze product strategies through both entrepreneurial and corporate lenses.”
Industry watchers highlight two critical challenges for Wang’s reboot: revitalizing ZEALER in an era dominated by ByteDance’s Douyin reviews, and balancing corporate insights with authentic consumer perspectives. Meanwhile, Gree shares slipped 1.2% in Shenzhen trading following the news, reflecting lingering questions about succession planning in China’s appliance sector.
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