Dong Mingzhu

Gree Electric Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu was nominated for the 2025 National Science and Technology Progress Award for her contributions to high-efficiency heat pump air conditioners. This recognition aligns with her recent statements about empowering younger leadership and her philosophy that talent is defined by capability and mindset, not age. Dong, 71, will continue to lead Gree for the next three years.

Gree Electric’s leader Dong Mingzhu prioritizes domestically cultivated talent, citing national interests. She emphasizes mindset, innovation, and responsibility over age or origin. Marketing Director Zhu Lei clarifies Gree values loyalty, diligence, and contribution, not foreign vs. domestic status once hired. The company seeks “hard workers” and “doers” aligned with its ethos.

Gree Electric’s Market Director, Zhu Lei, stated that Gree’s focus on technological advancement, rather than price wars, has stabilized the air conditioning market for over 30 years. He contrasted this with other sectors experiencing intense competition and criticized brands that prioritize crushing rivals over sustainable profits. Lei urged Chinese manufacturers to uphold “Made in China” and lead collaboratively.

Gree Electric Appliances sees a surge in demand for air conditioning due to rising temperatures. The company, expanding its retail footprint with 656 “Dong Mingzhu Health Home” stores, also announced a 20 yuan per unit pay increase for its installation technicians. This move, echoing a similar initiative in 2016, aims to ensure customer satisfaction and value the crucial role of installers during peak season.

Gree Electric’s “Dong Mingzhu Health Home” is rapidly expanding, with a new store opening in Shijiazhuang, bringing the total to 656, aiming for 3,000 by 2025. This growth underscores Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu’s influence, leveraging her brand recognition for direct consumer engagement. She highlighted her past contributions, emphasizing her role in leading Gree’s significant revenue growth and shareholder value creation.

China unveiled two new international standards for refrigeration compressors in Zhuhai, the first such ISO standards in two decades. 格力电器’s Chairwoman, Dong Mingzhu, acknowledged the standards’ development, also addressing public perception of her demanding management style, revealing a commitment to detail while recognizing criticisms. Her reflections included past experiences as a single mother, leading to online observations about her “tough” exterior and “soft heart.”

Gree’s Marketing Director, Zhu Lei, discussed the unexpected online reunion between Dong Mingzhu and former employee Meng Yutong. He clarified it was a natural interaction, not a marketing ploy, emphasizing genuine care and transparency. Despite speculation, Zhu stated there were no issues with the reunion. The live stream drew millions of views and significant sales. They also came together for a grand opening of the first-ever “Dong Mingzhu Healthy Home” flagship store.

Gree Electric’s success stems from CEO Dong Mingzhu’s emphasis on product quality and innovation. She highlights the “Rose” air conditioner’s “wind-free” technology, designed for comfortable, natural cooling and heating. Dong emphasizes Gree’s pioneering approach, claiming they’ve revolutionized air conditioning by addressing consumer health concerns. She underscores the company’s commitment to quality and integrity, believing lasting success requires focusing on consumer needs, not merely cost.

Economist Lang Xianping criticized Meng Yutong’s departure from Gree Electric, viewing it as a wasted opportunity. He argued Meng’s success was due to her association with Dong Mingzhu and that leaving her mentor was short-sighted. Lang believes Meng undervalued Dong’s influence and the potential benefits, like introductions or advantageous alliances, it provided. A subsequent livestream featuring both women, however, hinted at a reconciliation, boosting Gree’s viewership and sales.

Gree Electric’s Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu criticized online marketing tactics that prioritize fleeting buzz over product quality, contrasting them with Gree’s commitment to genuine consumer trust. She emphasized the importance of in-house manufacturing to maintain quality control, rejecting OEM practices despite potential cost benefits. Gree’s strategy focuses on long-term sustainability through its dedication to producing all components, ensuring product reliability and customer satisfaction.