Early Life
He Xiangjian was born on October 5, 1942, in Shunde, Guangdong, China. His early life was marked by the hardships of growing up in a rural village during a time of economic and political turmoil in China.
Rise to Success
In 1968, He Xiangjian founded a lid production company, which would later become Midea. Starting with a modest investment, he grew the company into a global leader in home appliances. He expanded the company's product line, capitalizing on China's growing middle class. In 2012, he stepped down as chairman of Midea Group.
Key Business Strategies
He Xiangjian focused on innovation and technology, investing heavily in research and development. He expanded Midea's global presence through strategic acquisitions. Midea also invested in smart home solutions, and industrial automation.
Philanthropy
He Xiangjian is known for his philanthropic activities, including founding the He Art Museum. In 2017, he donated 6.8 billion yuan (about $1.09 billion) to charity.