In China, the presence of a veteran leader often carries significant weight, and Zhu Jianghong, the 72-year-old founder of Gree, is no exception. Recently, he has resurfaced in public discourse after five years of retirement. His first autobiography, titled "I Held 24 Years at Gree," challenges the notion that Gree wouldn't exist without Dong Mingzhu, Gree's current chairwoman. The original "Gree Old Employee Meetup," initially planned to honor Zhu Jianghong, was abruptly canceled after questions arose about Dong Mingzhu's potential attendance.
Zhu Jianghong, once seen as the soul of Gree, played a pivotal role in mentoring Dong Mingzhu, grooming her into a capable successor. However, following Dong Mingzhu's ascension in 2012, Gree seems to have transformed into something quite different from what Zhu Jianghong envisioned. Under Zhu Jianghong, Gree was renowned for its technical expertise and slogan, "Good air conditioners, Gree." Today, Gree is more popularly associated with Dong Mingzhu and its internet celebrity status.
A rivalry seems to be brewing between the retiring founder and the current internet sensation leader. Both share similar traits—they’ve both faced adversity and chosen resilience. Had it not been for her husband’s untimely death, Dong Mingzhu might have lived a more conventional life. Instead, she became the independent leader of Gree in the south. Zhu Jianghong, too, rose from humble beginnings, overcoming numerous challenges throughout his life.
Born in the 1940s, Zhu Jianghong endured the hardships of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution. Despite graduating from South China Institute of Technology, he was assigned to work in a remote factory in Baise, Guangxi. Initially, he viewed his new role as a chance to earn a stable income. However, he soon excelled, staying awake for two days to meet production targets.
Two years later, he was promoted to quality inspector, and within four years, he became a technician—a feat that engineering graduates today might take longer to achieve. His determination and skill earned him respect and a reputation for hard work and dedication.
Zhu Jianghong's journey with Gree began in 1982 when he was elected director of the factory. His leadership style emphasized discipline, product focus, and hands-on involvement. His efforts transformed a small factory into a major player in the industry, achieving nationwide distribution of its products. By 1986, Zhu Jianghong was elected chairman of the newly formed Guangxi Mining Machinery Complete Equipment Company.
Returning to his hometown of Zhuhai, Zhu Jianghong began anew as general manager of Guanxiong Plastics Factory. Despite its troubled history, he revitalized the company by focusing on product innovation, transitioning from accessories to electric fans. This bold move paid off, turning Guanxiong from losses to profits within two years.
In 1991, Zhu Jianghong became general manager of Haili Air Conditioning Plant, which merged with Guanxiong to form Gree Electric Appliances. His vision for Gree was clear: to make Gree the dominant air conditioning brand. This aligned with the goals of the Zhuhai municipal government, which sought to establish air conditioning as a key industry.
Dong Mingzhu, who joined Gree in 1990, quickly impressed Zhu Jianghong with her sales acumen. Her ability to recover a large debt in just 40 days showcased her tenacity. Despite initial skepticism about Gree’s quality, Dong Mingzhu’s efforts helped grow the company significantly.
Over the years, Zhu Jianghong and Dong Mingzhu’s paths intertwined closely. Zhu Jianghong mentored Dong Mingzhu, promoting her to vice president of sales in 1997, and later recommending her as general manager in 2001. Their partnership was marked by heated debates, yet their collaboration propelled Gree to unprecedented success.
After Zhu Jianghong’s retirement in 2012, Dong Mingzhu assumed leadership. While Zhu Jianghong remained low-key, Dong Mingzhu embraced the spotlight, transforming Gree into an internet phenomenon. However, this shift has sparked controversy, with some questioning whether Gree is losing its technical edge under her leadership.
Recently, Zhu Jianghong’s autobiography reignited discussions about Gree’s legacy. While Zhu Jianghong acknowledges Dong Mingzhu’s contributions, he remains skeptical about Gree’s diversification into unrelated industries. His recent public appearances have sparked speculation about his intentions and potential influence over Gree’s future.
As Gree continues to evolve, the dynamics between its founders and current leaders remain complex. Whether Zhu Jianghong’s return signals a shift in Gree’s trajectory or merely reflects nostalgia for its founding principles remains to be seen.
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