Haier

When Zhang took over as general manager of the Qingdao Refrigerator Plant (Haier's predecessor), it had annual sales of just 3.48 million yuan and a loss of 1.47 million yuan.

Soon after being appointed general manager, Zhang had 76 defective refrigerators smashed in front of staff to instill quality-control discipline among employees.

Zhang implemented strict, military-style workplace rules at Haier, including fines for employees who did not push in their chairs when leaving desks, reflecting an operating culture centered on discipline and process control.

Haier pursued an active foreign-acquisition strategy under Zhang, including acquiring New Zealand appliance maker Fisher & Paykel in 2012 and Sanyo's Japanese white-goods business around 2011, as part of global expansion.

Took over management of the failing Qingdao Refrigerator Plant in 1984 and began transforming it through quality-control discipline and eventual diversification into TVs, washing machines, and air conditioners after formally establishing Haier Group in 1991.

By the year prior to Zhang's 2021 departure, Haier Group reported revenue of 230 billion yuan, net profit of 11.47 billion yuan, total assets of 352.8 billion yuan, and a combined market value across its three publicly traded subsidiaries of 278 billion yuan, growing from 29 manufacturing plants and over 70,000 employees globally, per Caixin.