Former Shenzhen party chief Li Hongzhong was appointed deputy and acting governor of Hubei province yesterday, China News Service reported.
Mr Li, 51, was appointed at a session of the Hubei People's Congress Standing Committee.
He had already been appointed deputy Hubei party chief by the Communist Party Central Committee.
Mr Li developed a reputation for administrative efficiency in several Shenzhen development areas, including land reclamation, energy conservation and co-operation between Hong Kong and the city.
During his time in Shenzhen, the city saw the biggest increase in property prices in recent years, which was widely blamed for driving up inflation.
Mainland media have reported an exodus of migrant workers and skilled professionals from the city because of the high living costs and runaway housing prices.
