Elica SpA, a global leader in kitchen ventilation and home cooking technologies, has announced a significant change at the top of its leadership team. The Board of Directors has appointed Luca Barboni—formerly Managing Director of the company’s Cooking Business Unit—as the new Chief Executive Officer.
The decision was made through co‑option, in line with Elica’s established succession plan and following the recommendation of the Nomination and Compensation Committee. The appointment also received the full support of the company’s independent directors, underscoring a unified strategic direction for the brand’s next chapter.
Barboni steps into the role with deep operational experience and a strong track record within Elica’s core business. His leadership of the Cooking BU positioned him at the centre of product innovation, market strategy, and the company’s evolving approach to premium home appliances—making him a natural fit to guide Elica through its next phase of growth.
This transition follows the resignation of Giulio Cocci, who has served as CEO since March 2021. Cocci and the Board mutually agreed that the time was right for a leadership change, with his resignation taking effect immediately. During his tenure, Cocci oversaw a period of strategic consolidation and operational strengthening, navigating the company through a challenging global landscape.
Elica’s leadership shift signals a renewed focus on innovation, operational excellence, and competitive positioning within the global home appliance market. With Barboni at the helm, the company appears poised to accelerate its momentum in both product development and international expansion.
WhiteGoodsNow will continue to follow updates from Elica as the new CEO begins shaping the company’s strategic direction.
Category Archives: Appointments
ILVE appoints Matteo Lupi as Sales Director:
ILVE has named Matteo Lupi as its new leader for high‑end market positioning, drawing on his extensive international experience across North America and the Far East. In his new role, Lupi will oversee strategic growth in key regions including Europe, the United States, and Australia.
Lupi joins ILVE after more than 20 years at Smeg, where he built his entire career as an export manager, guiding commercial development in both the USA and Asia.
Reporting directly to Alberto Illotti, Lupi will coordinate ILVE’s global commercial strategies, ensuring the brand’s technological excellence is aligned with the expectations and needs of diverse international markets.
This appointment forms part of a broader strengthening of ILVE’s management team under General Manager Pierluigi Amico, as the company continues to reinforce its position as a global leader in premium cooking appliances.
LG Electronics Appoints Lyu Jae-cheol as New CEO, Effective December 1
LG Electronics has announced the appointment of Lyu Jae-cheol as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1. Lyu brings a proven track record of innovation and strategic growth, having successfully led the Home Appliance & Air Solution (HS) division. Under his leadership, LG expanded its footprint in B2B markets, introduced subscription-based services, and strengthened its direct-to-consumer (D2C) offerings—all while maintaining LG’s competitive edge in the global home appliance sector.
As CEO, Lyu aims to build on LG’s legacy of excellence by enhancing the company’s competitiveness and unlocking new growth opportunities. His vision includes reinforcing LG’s leadership in home appliances and extending that success across the entire organizat,
BSH UK & Ireland CEO Gunjan Srivastava to Step Down in January 2026
Gunjan Srivastava, CEO of BSH Home Appliances UK & Ireland, has announced his decision to step down, with his departure scheduled for January 2026.
Srivastava has played a pivotal role at BSH for nearly 12 years, having led the UK business since April 2020. Under his leadership, the company navigated a dynamic market landscape and continued to strengthen its position in the appliance sector.
BSH has yet to name his successor, stating that the appointment of a new UK CEO will be confirmed “at a later date
Big moves at Beko: Balcıoğlu takes global strategy reins, Garzanli stays CEO of Beko Europe
Effective October 1, 2025, Mehmet Ragip Balcıoğlu has stepped into the role of Deputy General Manager of Global Marketing and Strategy. Formerly Deputy General Manager of European Commercial Sales and CEO of Beko Europe, Balcıoğlu brings a wealth of experience in international sales, commercial operations, and brand marketing. In his new position, he will spearhead the development of our global brand strategy and oversee the management of our diverse portfolio of 22 brands worldwide.
Meanwhile, Akin Garzanli—who has successfully led global marketing initiatives as Chief Marketing Officer for the past three years—will continue to serve as Deputy General Manager of European Commercial Sales and CEO of Beko Europe, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment across key markets.
This leadership evolution marks a significant step in strengthening our global presence and driving long-term brand growth.
Midea Strengthens UK & Ireland Sales Leadership with Jack Green Appointment
Midea, a global leader in home appliances and white goods, has appointed Jack Green as its new Head of Sales for the UK and Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to regional growth and market expansion.
Green brings over 10 years of senior commercial experience from Whirlpool, where he held leadership roles across sales, marketing, and finance—most recently serving as Commercial Director for Hotpoint and Indesit. His career also includes roles at Next and Nestlé, with a strong track record in both UK and Swiss markets.
🗣️ “Joining Midea in June has been an exciting step,” said Green. “I’ve spent the past few months diving into our product portfolio and identifying growth opportunities. The team here is talented, driven, and aligned in our ambition to expand Midea’s footprint across the UK and Ireland.”
With Green’s appointment, Midea is poised to accelerate its presence in the UK white goods sector, leveraging his expertise to drive sales strategy, retailer partnerships, and brand visibility
Haier Europe Welcomes Junmin Shen as New Chief Financial Officer
Haier Europe is pleased to announce the appointment of Junmin Shen as its new Chief Financial Officer and member of the company’s Senior Leadership Team.
In his new role, Mr. Shen will oversee Haier Europe’s Finance organization, leading efforts in strategic financial planning, performance optimization, and shaping key priorities that foster continued business growth.
With more than two decades of global experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic transformation, Junmin brings a wealth of expertise to the role. A graduate of both Shanghai University and HEC Paris, he has held senior positions at leading multinational firms including Air Liquide and Schneider Electric. Prior to joining Haier Europe, he served as a strategic advisor at Fosun.
Mr. Shen succeeds Nitin Gupta, who departs Haier Europe after two and a half years to pursue new opportunities outside the organization.
Change in the top management line of Electrolux Group
Vincent Rotger , long experience at Whirlpool and Haier, will take over from Henrik Dagberg as Chief Strategy Officer, and will lead the Business Development area. Rotger, a graduate in France, held the same function at Haier Europe before becoming CEO of Ever Ever, a French start-up dedicated to the design of durable and sustainable home appliances
LG Names Michelin-Starred Chef Andrea Aprea as Ambassador for LG & SKS
LG Electronics Group has appointed acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Andrea Aprea as the new ambassador for its premium built-in appliance brands, LG and Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS).
Chef Aprea epitomizes the dual spirit of LG’s built-in line—blending innovation with simplicity. Like LG, he is driven by the goal of enhancing everyday life through advanced tools and techniques that make even the most complex culinary creations accessible. His philosophy aligns seamlessly with SKS’s True to Food ethos, which celebrates a deep respect for ingredients by honouring their quality, origin, and full potential
Whirlpool Corporation board of directors has appointed Judith K. Buckner,
The Whirlpool Corporation board of directors has appointed Judith K. Buckner, president of Reynolds Cooking & Baking, to the board, effective immediately. Buckner will serve on the corporate governance and nominating committee and the human resources committee.
“Judith is a highly respected leader who knows how to create a positive impact in all aspects of the business and we are excited to have her joining our board,” said Marc Bitzer, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “Her vast experience in the kitchen category will be an incredible asset as Whirlpool Corporation continues to focus on improving life at home for consumers around the world.”
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