Chen Lei, of Han nationality, is a native of Beijing. He was born in June 1954, entered the workforce in September 1971 and joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in May 1980.

2007-: Minister of Water Resources.

2005-2007: Vice-chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

2004-2005: Vice-minister of Water Resources, member of the State Council Three Gorges Project Construction Committee.

2001-2004: Vice-minister of Water Resources.

2000-2001 Director of the planning department of the Ministry of Water Resources.

1996-2000: Director of the rural and irrigation water supply department of the Ministry of Water Resources.

1995-1996: Deputy director of the general management center of the Ministry of Water Resources.

1985-1995 Technician, project manager, deputy general manager and general manager of the China Irrigation and Drainage Technique Development Company.

1982-1985: Graduate student at North China University of Water Conservancy and Electric Power.

1980-1982: Teacher at North China University of Water Conservancy and Electric Power.

1976-1980: Undergraduate student at Northeast Engineering College.

1971-1976: Worker at the 905 Factory in Ningxia.