(Yicai) Aug. 29 -- Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao International Holding has appointed Zhang Junjie, founder of Chinese new-style tea brand Chagee, as an independent non-executive director to enhance board diversity and inspire new businesses.

Zhang, who will mainly supervise Haidilao's board of directors and provide independent judgment, took the post effective Aug. 27, the Jianyang-based firm announced late on the same day. His term will last three years, with an annual salary of CNY1.2 million (USD168,000), it added.

Haidilao's independent directors come from the law, food safety, internet, and various other fields, the company told Yicai, adding that Zhang will further enhance the diversity of its board.

Zhang has extensive and successful experience in the new-style tea sector, which might inspire Haidilao to expand into new business areas, according to industry insiders.

Haidilao has been renovating its beverage bars across China, with customers at restaurants able to purchase new-style tea drinks while eating and non-dine-in clients able to buy them directly.

Zhang founded Chagee in 2017 and has over 13 years of experience in operation and management in the restaurant industry, Haidilao noted. Chagee's development has been particularly notable in the new-style tea industry, operating over 5,000 stores now compared with less than 500 in 2021.

Chagee's sales will likely exceed CNY20 billion (USD2.8 billion) by the end of this year, Zhang said in May, noting that the goal is to surpass Starbucks China's sales.

Editor: Martin Kadiev