Abstract: Based on the upper echelon theory, this paper selects A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2014 to 2019 as samples, empirically tests the relationship between returnee managers and corporate green innovation. The results show that:Returnee managers can significantly promote corporate green innovation. Returnee managers can promote corporate green innovation by improving the level of corporate social responsibility and R&D investment. After exploring the adjustment factors from the macro, meso and micro perspectives, it is found that in terms of corporate green innovation activities, there is a complementary relationship between government quality, market competition and returnee managers, while there is a substitution relationship between internal control level and returnee managers. After further research, it is found that in the state-owned enterprises, non-heavy polluting industries, municipalities directly under the central government, and high level of external supervision groups, returnee managers have a more significant role in promoting corporate green innovation; After distinguishing the types of green innovation, it is found that the promotion of green invention patents with high innovation requirements is more obvious.

Key words: returnee managers, corporate green innovation, upper echelons theory, mediating effect