Gree Electric

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’s Marketing Director, Zhu Lei, criticized competitors engaged in aggressive price wars, calling the strategy “involution” and self-destructive. He cited a TV brand entering the AC market with minimal profit margins, aiming to drive out Chinese competitors. Zhu argued this practice harms companies more than rivals and questioned its sustainability, stating industry leaders have a responsibility to the market and consumers, who may suffer from reduced quality due to price cutting.

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.

Published on CNBC, the article highlights China’s growing influence in the global refrigeration industry. Gree Electric Appliances, along with partners, spearheaded the development of two new international standards for refrigeration compressors (ISO 18501 and ISO 18483), marking a shift in the previously Western-dominated standardization. This achievement, driven by Gree’s technological advancements and self-sufficiency efforts, illustrates the company’s journey from dependence on foreign suppliers to a global leader in compressor technology.

Former Gree Electric executive Wang Ziru discussed his departure in a livestream, hinting at friction stemming from proposed channel reforms. He emphasized the decision wasn’t solely his and highlighted positive relationships with colleagues. While details were guarded, he referenced public salary information and revealed his title wasn’t formally VP. Wang described his work at Gree as reshaping the sales system, driven by a sense of urgency and a desire for a lasting legacy.

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.