Zhang Ruimin's Transformational Journey in Italy: Human-Centric Business Innovation

Zhang Ruimin's Transformational Journey in Italy

Zhang Ruimin, the founder of Haier and Chairman Emeritus of the Haier Group Board of Directors, embarked on a significant journey in late July 2025, engaging with various European companies in a mission dubbed the "Zero Distance Excellence Journey." This journey, spanning Italy and San Marino, formed part of a broader effort to promote a transformative approach to organizational management rooted in the innovative RenDanHeYi model.

Revolutionizing Business Management

The RenDanHeYi model, which Zhang introduced in 2005, emphasizes a shift from traditional hierarchical structures to one that prioritizes self-driven individuals and self-organized teams. This model aims to empower individuals within organizations, fostering an environment where human potential and business value can flourish.

During his visit, Zhang hosted a series of transformation workshops attended by senior executives from leading European firms. The discussions focused on unlocking organizational innovation and enhancing employee engagement through the RenDanHeYi philosophy. By encouraging businesses to adopt this management approach, Zhang hopes to maximize both human capabilities and the value derived from user-centric business practices.

Engagement with Key European Companies

The journey commenced at the Var Group in Milan, where Zhang and his team conducted in-depth discussions on implementing the RenDanHeYi principles. The Var Group, a digital services provider operating in 15 countries with significant annual revenues, has successfully adopted a platform plus microenterprise model that enhances employee engagement and functions as a strategic partner for innovation.

Following the Milan meeting, Zhang continued to Gummy Industries in Brescia, a medium-sized digital marketing firm. Since shifting towards the RenDanHeYi model, Gummy Industries reported a swift return to profitability and a remarkable enhancement in product innovation, demonstrating the effectiveness of the model.

In San Marino, the visit culminated in a meeting with the country's two Captains Regent, Denise Bronzetti and Italo Righi, where Zhang received the prestigious Order of Saint Agatha. This accolade acknowledges his extraordinary contributions to advancing human-centric management philosophies on a global stage.

Academic Validation and Support

The journey not only included corporate engagements but also brought together renowned scholars and business thinkers who reaffirmed the significance of the RenDanHeYi model in today’s digital age. Among the notable attendees were Bill Fischer from IMD Lausanne, Stuart Crainer from Thinkers50, and several esteemed professors who contributed their perspectives on organizational transformation.

These academic contributors underlined the need for organizations to reevaluate their operational frameworks and adopt practices rooted in the RenDanHeYi principles. They collectively envisioned a future where organizations act as ecosystems fostering innovation, integration, and enhanced employee well-being.

Legacy and Impact

Zhang Ruimin’s efforts in Italy and San Marino reflect his broader commitment to redefining organizational structures worldwide. By advocating for a human-centric approach and dismantling outdated hierarchies, he aspires to create an environment where individual voices are prioritized, and every employee is encouraged to leverage their unique strengths.

Zhang’s vision of transforming businesses into ecosystems, rather than autocratic empires, challenges conventional management philosophies and introduces a new paradigm for success in the digital economy. His work indicates a transformative shift, encouraging a culture of continuous evolution to meet the demands of both employees and customers.

Zhang Ruimin's journey in Italy was not only an acknowledgment of his past achievements but also a commitment to ongoing innovation in organizational management strategies. As businesses globally grapple with the rapid evolution of today’s marketplace, the RenDanHeYi model serves as a guiding framework, encouraging a focus on human development and sustainable progress in the corporate world.

Through such initiatives, Zhang aims to create a collaborative future for organizations and societies alike, where each individual has the opportunity to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their businesses and communities.