Haier

Zhang Ruimin and His 17 Miracle Years 2001 was a cold winter for the global economy. But in China, people were feeling exceptional warmth and comfort: despite a dreary outlook around the world, China's economy maintained relatively high growth." In its February 2002 Chinese edition, Fortune magazine selected eight Chinese Business Leaders of 2001. Their performances in 2001, the magazine remarked, displayed "courage, insight and capability in leading their companies through rough rock-strewn seas towards safe waters and a bright future." Haier Group CEO Zhang Ruimin was one of those selected. A separate article under the title "Zhang Ruimin and His 17 Miracle Years", took a lengthy look at the top executive of Haier. Since 1984, Haier Group Chairman and CEO Zhang Ruimin's reputation has been growing day by day. This corporate executive, whose brain is filled with various modern management ideas and ancient Chinese philosophies, reaped a succession of glories and titles in 2001, such as being put on the cover of the global edition of Forbes magazine and teaching at the European Business Management Institute. Zhang's special power originates from his Haier Group. Relying on his management wisdom, Haier maintained a high growth rate in its sales volume in 2001," the magazine said.