Gao Yan, male, Han nationality, is a native of Fuyu, Jilin Province. He joined the CPC in 1965. He holds the title of Senior Engineer.
After working at the Jilin Provincial Electricity Bureau for 13 years (1975-1988), Gao assumed several Party positions with Jilin Province. In 1988, he became the Vice-Governor of the province and in 1992, he became the governor. He served as governor until 1995.
Two years later, Gao was made the secretary of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee. In 1997, he was appointed the deputy general manager of the State Electric Power Corporation. In 1998, he became the general manager.
Gao was a member of the 14th and 15th CPC Central Committees.