Paolo Schira Officially Assumes Role as President & CEO of Electrolux Professional Group


Electrolux Professional Group has confirmed the official start of Paolo Schira’s tenure as President and CEO, effective 5 May 2026, following the retirement of long‑serving leader Alberto Zanata.

In a statement marking his first day in the role, Schira emphasised both the strength of the company’s global position and the importance of accelerating strategic execution:

> “It is a privilege to step into this role and to work together with our employees and customers. Our markets are attractive, and by accelerating the execution of our strategic priorities with a sharper focus, we will continue to build long-term value for our customers and shareholders,” said Paolo Schira.

Schira’s appointment was first announced on 28 January 2026, giving the organisation a clear transition period as it prepares for its next phase of growth. His leadership now begins at a pivotal moment for the professional appliance sector, with evolving customer demands, sustainability pressures, and intensified global competition shaping the market landscape.

Electrolux Professional enters this new chapter with continuity, clarity, and a renewed strategic focus under Schira’s direction.

Gtech Founder Nick Grey Steps Down as CEO After 25 Years

Gtech founder Nick Grey is set to step down as chief executive after a 25‑year run leading the Worcester‑based home appliance brand he launched in 2001. Grey will remain with the business in a new role focused on product design, saying his “heart has always been in the studio”.

Managing director Jothie Walford, who has spent nine years at the company, will succeed him as CEO.

Gtech, formally known as Grey Technology, has grown into a leading British innovator in cordless home and garden appliances, with a portfolio spanning vacuum cleaners, floor sweepers, lawn mowers, and grass trimmers.

Dreame Partners with Global Ambassador Yifei Liu to Champion a New Era of Intelligent Living

Dreame has named global star Yifei Liu as its new brand ambassador, supporting the company’s push into premium smart large home appliances.

The campaign spotlights Dreame’s three pillars of next‑gen living—laundry care, fresh food storage, and air quality—positioning the brand as a leader in intelligent home technology. Alongside its established strength in floorcare, Dreame aims to shape what it calls “the ideal home of the future.”

Elica Appoints Luca Barboni as New CEO Following Leadership Transition

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.

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