QINGDAO, China, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kantar, a global leader in brand data and strategy consulting, recently released its BrandZ 2026 Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking. In the ranking, Haier Group has been named the world's only IoT ecosystem brand for eight consecutive years, with its position rising to 53rd place.
The ranking evaluates not only financial performance but also places significant emphasis on a brand's equity strength and future growth potential in consumers' minds. Despite economic volatility, the total value of the world's top 100 brands rose 22% year-on-year to USD 13.1 trillion in 2026. Thirteen Chinese brands made it onto the list, while global tech giants Google, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon still take the lead. This year, Chinese brands delivered particularly strong results, posting an average year-on-year brand value increase of 32%.
Since debuting in the ranking in 2019, Haier has steadily climbed from 89th to 53rd place globally, with its brand value reaching USD 52.949 billion, demonstrating the resilience and long-term value of its ecosystem brand model.
"Haier has transformed from a single home appliance manufacturer into a diversified enterprise spanning six industrial ecosystems, with clear progress in its ecosystem brand strategy. By combining supply chain strength with cultural adaptability, Haier delivers product value while bridging global markets through cultural integration and emotional connection, offering an excellent model for Chinese industrial enterprises building world-class brands," noted Wang Xing, CEO of Kantar Greater China and global chair of Kantar BrandZ.
Brand growth momentum fueled by six ecosystems
Behind Haier's rising brand value lies solid operating performance. In 2025, Haier Group achieved global revenue of RMB 426.8 billion (approx. USD 59.8 billion), an increase of 6.3% year‑on‑year; global profit reached RMB 32.2 billion (approx. USD 4.5 billion), up 6.7% year‑on‑year, demonstrating a high-quality growth trajectory in the face of a complex environment.
The rise in Haier's brand value is driven by its ecosystem brand strategy, focusing on strengthening core businesses, expanding scale, and reinforcing leadership, as future competitiveness depends less on standalone capabilities and more on ecosystem dynamism.
Haier has evolved its ecosystem collaboration from a "parallel fleet" into an integrated "organic entity," subdividing three sectors into six industrial ecosystems:
- Smart Home Ecosystem: Focuses on smart living, HVAC, and elderly-friendly solutions, with the "Smart Home Brain" aiming for "hands-free housekeeping."
- Health Ecosystem: Haier's health brand, Incaier, has exceeded RMB 47 billion (approx. USD 6.91 billion) in value, ranking among China's top in pharma and health.
- Automotive Ecosystem: Haier's Autohome and CARtech offer high-end personalized mobility and vehicle solutions.
- Digital Economy Ecosystem: Haier's COSMOPlat AI+ industrial internet platform and Hainayun accelerate digital transformation across industries.
- Robotics Ecosystem: Shanghai STEP Electric Co., Ltd. leads as a global elevator IoT ecosystem brand.
- New Energy Ecosystem: Solutions including green energy, storage, and AI robots are driving zero-carbon transitions across industries.
The coordinated development of Haier's six industrial ecosystems has not only unleashed strong growth momentum for its ecosystem brands but also expanded its brand value through continuous scenario innovation. This has enabled Haier to establish a unique and difficult-to-replicate competitive moat in the global brand landscape.
From Global Branding to Ecosystem Empowerment
Amid global economic shifts, Chinese brands are accelerating the transition from "product exports" to "brand exports," with independent brand building and technological innovation becoming key drivers of global competitiveness.
Going global is not about out‑competing others, but winning global recognition and respect for Chinese manufacturing. Haier pioneered this path in the 1990s, rejecting OEM for a long-term independent brand strategy, and has since built its own global foundation and paved the way for other Chinese brands.
Today, Haier is present in over 200 countries and regions, holding the top spot in Euromonitor's global major appliance ranking for 17 consecutive years. It ranks No. 1 in eight countries (including the U.S. and Thailand), No. 3 in 12 countries (including Japan and Italy), and No. 5 in eight countries (including Germany and Saudi Arabia), showcasing a strong global brand influence.
Haier's global empowerment goes beyond home appliances. Hainayun has applied smart city capabilities to global infrastructure development in projects like the Panama Bridge, while Haier Biomedical continues to deliver key overseas projects, including the UK Biobank, with the No. 1 market share in seven countries, including the UK.
AI is now a decisive force and the new DNA of organizations, operations, and innovation. 2025 marked Haier's "first year of AI application," with full workforce adoption across all processes. In 2026, Haier aims to build an AI-native organization. As "Made in China" transitions toward "Created in China," Haier is representing a development model that blends Chinese strengths with global adaptability.
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Haier Named the World's Only IoT Ecosystem Brand in Kantar BrandZ Top 100 for Eight Consecutive Years
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LONDON, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Insurance, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced the appointment of Sebastian Rice to Head of Global Development – Trade Credit, effective immediately.
Reporting to Phil Amlot, Global Head of Trade Credit – International, Rice will work closely with him to drive innovative, solution-led underwriting and develop bespoke offerings that respond to evolving market conditions and client needs across Markel's global hubs. His role will include supporting clients navigating an increasingly complex trade environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruption and shifting credit risks.
Rice will also co-ordinate a global cohort of Trade Credit underwriters across Markel's offices in New York, Singapore, Dubai and London to align with our key partner relationships. He'll focus on business development and driving further profitable growth across the UK and Europe, with an emphasis on delivering greater capacity, tailored solutions and enhanced service for brokers and clients.
Since joining Markel two years ago, Rice has played a key role in developing new solutions, including Markel's Non-Cancellable Limits offering, which enables clients to operate with greater certainty in the event of non-payment. In his new role, he'll build on this momentum to further strengthen Markel's position as a trade credit insurer of choice for multinational businesses.
Commenting on the appointment, Amlot said: "Markel International's success and sustained growth are driven by colleagues like Seb, who are committed to working alongside our clients to deliver tailored solutions. He takes the time to understand client needs and responds with precision, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.
With demand for trade credit insurance at record levels and underwriting conditions becoming increasingly complex, Seb's expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we help clients navigate increased risk and build enhanced resilience. He's already strengthened our position across the London and European markets, and I'm confident he'll bring the same discipline and commercial insight to this global role."
Rice added: "I'm proud of the profitable growth we've achieved in the London market and continental Europe since joining Markel. In a period defined by shifting supply chains and evolving economic conditions, we've focused on being a consistent and reliable partner for our brokers and clients.
This progress reflects the dedication and expertise of our underwriters. I look forward to leading the next phase of our global development and continuing to deliver solutions that support our clients' ambitions."
Rice brings more than 20 years of underwriting experience, having held roles at Euler Hermes, Atradius and QBE Europe. He joined Markel in January 2024 as Head of Business Development Europe – Trade Credit, where he strengthened the International division's non-payment protection offering across the UK and continental Europe.
About Markel Insurance
We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers, and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.
LONDON, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Markel Insurance, the insurance operation within Markel Group Inc. (NYSE:MKL), today announced the appointment of Sebastian Rice to Head of Global Development – Trade Credit, effective immediately.
Reporting to Phil Amlot, Global Head of Trade Credit – International, Rice will work closely with him to drive innovative, solution-led underwriting and develop bespoke offerings that respond to evolving market conditions and client needs across Markel's global hubs. His role will include supporting clients navigating an increasingly complex trade environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruption and shifting credit risks.
Rice will also co-ordinate a global cohort of Trade Credit underwriters across Markel's offices in New York, Singapore, Dubai and London to align with our key partner relationships. He'll focus on business development and driving further profitable growth across the UK and Europe, with an emphasis on delivering greater capacity, tailored solutions and enhanced service for brokers and clients.
Since joining Markel two years ago, Rice has played a key role in developing new solutions, including Markel's Non-Cancellable Limits offering, which enables clients to operate with greater certainty in the event of non-payment. In his new role, he'll build on this momentum to further strengthen Markel's position as a trade credit insurer of choice for multinational businesses.
Commenting on the appointment, Amlot said: "Markel International's success and sustained growth are driven by colleagues like Seb, who are committed to working alongside our clients to deliver tailored solutions. He takes the time to understand client needs and responds with precision, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.
With demand for trade credit insurance at record levels and underwriting conditions becoming increasingly complex, Seb's expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we help clients navigate increased risk and build enhanced resilience. He's already strengthened our position across the London and European markets, and I'm confident he'll bring the same discipline and commercial insight to this global role."
Rice added: "I'm proud of the profitable growth we've achieved in the London market and continental Europe since joining Markel. In a period defined by shifting supply chains and evolving economic conditions, we've focused on being a consistent and reliable partner for our brokers and clients.
This progress reflects the dedication and expertise of our underwriters. I look forward to leading the next phase of our global development and continuing to deliver solutions that support our clients' ambitions."
Rice brings more than 20 years of underwriting experience, having held roles at Euler Hermes, Atradius and QBE Europe. He joined Markel in January 2024 as Head of Business Development Europe – Trade Credit, where he strengthened the International division's non-payment protection offering across the UK and continental Europe.
About Markel Insurance
We are Markel Insurance, a leading global specialty insurer with a truly people-first approach. As the insurance operations within the Markel Group Inc. (NYSE: MKL), we leverage a broad array of capabilities and expertise to create intelligent solutions for the most complex specialty insurance needs. However, it is our people – and the deep, valued relationships they develop with colleagues, brokers, and clients – that differentiates us worldwide.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Markel International appoints Sebastian Rice as Head of Global Development, Trade Credit
