Gree Electric

Gree Electric’s Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu reunited with former protégé Meng Yutong in a high-profile livestream, drawing 2.92 million viewers and generating 5 million yuan ($690,000) in sales. The event, seen as a strategic shift amid Gree’s 7.26% revenue decline in 2024, downplayed past tensions, with Dong reframing Meng’s 2023 exit as growth-focused. While air conditioners sold briskly, a luxury beauty device flopped, highlighting Gree’s struggle to diversify beyond HVAC systems (78% of revenue). Analysts question if Dong’s celebrity-driven digital push, including her livestreaming pivot since 2020, can sustain growth against rivals like Xiaomi, as she balances personal branding with institutional resilience.

At a high-profile livestream event, Gree Electric’s Chairperson Dong Mingzhu reunited with former protégé Meng Yutong to promote a ¥9,800 ($1,350) “microcurrent beauty device” instead of Gree’s core air conditioners. Despite offering premium incentives and Dong’s personal endorsement claiming skin improvement, only four units sold amid 30,000+ viewers, highlighting weak consumer response. Analysts argue Gree’s reliance on executive fame struggles to justify premium pricing in competitive beauty tech markets, underscoring challenges in its diversification strategy beyond appliance dominance.

Gree Electric Chairwoman Dong Mingzhu surprised viewers by reuniting with ex-protégé Meng Yutong during a viral TikTok livestream, their first public appearance since Meng’s 2023 departure. Dong hinted at reversing Gree’s no-rehire policy, stating Meng—currently pursuing overseas studies—could return post-academic program, softening the firm’s previously rigid stance. She dismissed past conflict rumors, framing their bond as familial despite professional standards. Analysts view the stunt as strategic reputational management, blending corporate discipline with Gen Z-friendly leadership. The livestream drew 2.8 million viewers, showcasing Gree’s evolving approach to talent retention and brand storytelling amid competitive pressures. (100 words)

Gree Electric Chairman Dong Mingzhu and former protégé Meng Yutong will reunite in a May 23 livestream, their first joint appearance since 2022 rift rumors. The event, teased with “Long Time No See” on social media, follows Meng’s viral Weibo post—featuring private messages with Dong—that drew 15M+ views. In 2022, Gree trademarked both names across finance, tech, and advertising as Meng emerged as China’s top Gen-Z executive influencer. Analysts call the reunion a strategic fusion of leadership clout and youth marketing, while critics label it “calculated brand theater.” Public reactions range from skepticism to bewilderment.

Wang Ziru, former Gree Electric digital transformation architect and ex-CEO of Xiaomi-backed tech review platform ZEALER, is returning to tech media after a three-year stint at the appliance giant. At Gree, he spearheaded the divisive “Cloud Wholesale” initiative, boosting online sales by 37% while alienating traditional dealers. Analysts suggest his corporate experience could revitalize ZEALER and offer unique product strategy insights, though challenges include competing with ByteDance’s Douyin and balancing industry expertise with consumer trust. Gree’s shares dropped 1.2% amid succession concerns following his career shift. (98 words)