#China #Qingdao #Haier #Zhang Ruimin #RenDanHeYi

Zhang Ruimin's Quest for Organizational Excellence in Europe

Zhang Ruimin, the visionary founder of Haier and the Chairman Emeritus of Haier Group's Board of Directors, embarked on the 'Zero Distance Excellence Journey' from July 28 to 30, 2025, in Italy and San Marino. This vital European segment of the journey emphasizes organizational innovation and fosters a human-centric transformation approach.

During this tour, Zhang engaged in a series of profound discussions with senior executives from prominent European companies, aiming to explore the potential of the RenDanHeYi model he pioneered. This management philosophy seeks to empower individuals while dismantling traditional corporate hierarchies. Through workshops centered around this transformative approach, Zhang advocated for unlocking organizational potential and maximizing business value.

The initiative was a collaborative effort between the Business Ecosystem Alliance and the Haier Model Institute, with support from the RenDanHeYi Research Center in Italy. The journey kicked off at Var Group in Milan, followed by visits to Gummy Industries in Brescia, and concluded at ASA Group in San Marino. Each of these companies is actively implementing the RenDanHeYi model within a European context.

In a ceremonial acknowledgment during his visit to San Marino, Zhang was warmly welcomed by the two Captains Regent, Denise Bronzetti and Italo Righi. He was honored with the prestigious Order of Santa Águeda, recognizing his remarkable contributions to human-centered management and global organizational innovation.

The RenDanHeYi Model: A Bold Organizational Evolution

Introduced by Zhang in 2005, the RenDanHeYi model is built on principles advocating for 'autonomous individuals, self-organizing teams, and self-evolving ecosystems.' This framework aims to remove bureaucratic barriers, empowering employees while placing user value at the forefront of organizational goals.

Zhang emphasized that the RenDanHeYi philosophy aligns seamlessly with humanistic ideals and drives the core purpose of any organization toward fostering individual potential and championing human dignity.

The trip also served as a platform for interaction with distinguished academics, including Bill Fischer, Professor Emeritus of Innovation Management at IMD Lausanne; Stuart Crainer, co-founder of Thinkers50; Umberto Lago, Associate Professor at the University of Bologna; and Annika Steiber, Director of the RenDanHeYi Research Center in Silicon Valley.

European Enterprises Embracing the RenDanHeYi Model

1. Var Group is a digital service provider with over €800 million in annual revenues and business operations across 15 countries. In 2024, it adopted a 'platform + micro-enterprise' model with the help of the RenDanHeYi Research Center in Italy. This move drastically improved employee engagement and repositioned Var Group as a strategic partner in innovation.

2. Gummy Industries, a mid-sized Italian digital marketing firm, initiated its RenDanHeYi transformation in 2022. Remarkably, within six months it regained profitability by creating eight micro-enterprises termed 'kitchens,' coupled with a shared resource platform called 'Farmers’ Market.' This strategic pivot led to a doubling of product launches in comparison to the previous seven years, as attributed by co-founder and CEO, Fabrizio Martire.

3. ASA Group, a family-owned metal packaging company with a legacy spanning 65 years, also witnessed a significant transformation by adopting micro-enterprise reforms in 2024. Their digital printing unit generated substantial revenue, illustrating how the RenDanHeYi model can prioritize human values during corporate transformations, as indicated by CEO Francesco Amati.

Crainer underlined the importance of these companies forming a global community based on zero distance principles and the RenDanHeYi approach. He urged more organizations to join this movement and contribute to the co-creation of future organizational ecosystems.

The Captain Regent of San Marino, Denise Bronzetti, lauded Zhang's insights, highlighting that his philosophy presents a powerful lens to envision a reality where everyone is empowered to recognize and harness their value and entrepreneurial potential.

About Zhang Ruimin

Zhang Ruimin's legacy is rich; he transformed Haier Group from a local refrigerator manufacturer into a global IoT ecosystem leader. Serving as CEO and President from 1984 to 2021, he is now focused on advancing managerial thought as Chairman Emeritus. His model, RenDanHeYi, continues to influence modern organizational design, reflecting a shift towards people-centric frameworks. In acknowledgment of his contributions, he received the Thinkers50 Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

About Haier Group

Founded in 1984, Haier Group stands as a global leader in providing innovative solutions for better living and digital transformation. With a tagline of 'More Creation, More Possibilities,' the company is committed to co-creating infinite possibilities for a better life and industrial development with users and ecosystem partners. Having recorded nearly ¥401.6 billion (about €47.5 billion) in revenue in 2024, Haier operates in nearly 200 countries and boasts a workforce of over 130,000. It has consistently ranked as the number one global appliance brand for 16 consecutive years, reaffirming its leadership in smart ecosystem innovation.