(Yicai) Feb. 25 -- Gree Electric Appliances has released a list of candidates for the next board of directors, with Dong Mingzhu expected to continue as chairwoman of the world's biggest maker of air conditioners after being among five director nominees.

Besides Dong, 71, Gree also included Directors Zhang Wei and Zhang Jundu for re-election while adding Vice President Shu Lizhi and Chief Engineer and Assistant President Zhong Chengbao to the list, the firm announced late yesterday. Shu and Zhong will replace Guo Shuzhan and Deng Xiaobo, who will step down after their terms end.

The new list suggests that Gree's executive team will be younger and more skilled than before. For example, Zhong graduated from university in 2008 and is in charge of precision equipment and robotics at the Zhuhai-based company, while Shu turns 55 this year.

Dong has been Gree's chairwoman since 2012, playing a vital role in transforming the firm into a global leader in air conditioners. Despite being past her retirement age, she remains active in corporate management and market development.

However, in a video released on Feb. 20, Dong said she had identified several potential successors for her post within Gree's various business platforms.

Gree does not have a controlling shareholder. An investment fund under Hillhouse Investment ranks as the largest shareholder with a 16.3 percent stake, while Dong owns 1.9 percent of the stock, ranking her sixth. Dong and Hillhouse's investment fund act in concert, according to the firm.

Editor: Martin Kadiev