The new interim chairman of Wahaha, who was appointed to the post by French food giant Danone last week, can expect a hostile reception when he shows up to work here, says a spokesman for the Chinese company.

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Emmanuel Faber, who replaced Zong Qinghou -- founder and chairman of Wahaha Group, hasn't yet shown up for work since he was appointed last Thursday, leaving Chinese employees feeling uneasy and furious, Wahaha's spokesman Shan Qining told Xinhua on Monday.

Shan said employees at Wahaha's three major production plants signed a petition supporting their former president the day after Zong resigned.

Shan says employees have been in a hostile mood since learning of the appointment of Faber and are demanding a clear declaration from Danone about the future of Wahaha and their jobs.

Faber is president of Danone's Asia-Pacific region and was Vice Chairman of Wahaha before being elevated to interim president.

In his letter of resignation, Zong requested that all staff keep their jobs. Danone promised in a statement that Chinese employees will not be affected by the board room struggles.

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