Zhang Ruimin at Var Group Milan: an inspiring visit that leaves a mark

There are days that remain etched in memory, and yesterday was undoubtedly one of them. I had the honor of welcoming the Haier team to our Milan headquarters, together with CEO Zhang Ruimin, an iconic global figure and the visionary mind behind the revolutionary #ZeroDistance model.

It was a unique opportunity for dialogue and mutual learning, which turned the day into a true laboratory of ideas, where we discussed innovation, organizational transformation, and inclusive leadership. For me, it was the chance to emphasize how important it is to promote a leadership style capable of guiding with vision and engagement, placing people and their empowerment at the center.

The Zero Distance model, developed by Haier, is a great source of inspiration for us: an approach that reduces the gap between the company, customers, people, and stakeholders, fostering an organizational culture built on authentic listening, widespread collaboration, and shared growth.

Together, we reflected on the importance of decentralizing decision-making, valuing expertise, and turning diversity into a lever for sustainable innovation. This path strengthens our determination to invest in agile models, capable of creating real value for all stakeholders involved.

We sincerely thank the Haier team and Zhang Ruimin for sharing their vision and energy. This meeting marks a significant milestone in our journey towards an increasingly digital, collaborative, and excellence-driven future.

Let’s continue building the future of innovation together.