美的：职业经理人的接班

The case describes two succession decisions made by the founder and ex-chairman of Midea Group, He Xiangjian, as well as its largest asset, the listed company Mediea Electric Appliances. In five years, He Xiangjian resigned from the chairman position of Mediea Electric Appliances and the Midea Group and appointed a professional manager, Fang Hongbo, as his successor. The decision came after deliberations on Fang Hongbo’s competency and He’s own son’s interests. The case not only documents the succession story but also records how the Midea Group progressively recruited and trained professional managers. This case allows instructors to demonstrate to students that founders need to be proactive in looking for the appropriate successor. The topic is a classic one, considering the emergence of a vast number of first-generation entrepreneurs after China’s opening up and reforms.