Haier Europe has confirmed the appointment of Jim McEwan as the new Managing Director for Haier UK & Ireland, marking a significant leadership move for the region’s fastest‑growing major appliances brand.
McEwan brings over six years of senior experience within Haier UK and more than two decades in the home appliances sector, giving him deep insight into the Group’s multi‑brand strategy, retail partnerships, and evolving consumer expectations. Having most recently served as Chief Commercial Officer, he steps into the role with a strong commercial foundation and a clear understanding of Haier’s long‑term growth ambitions.
Reflecting on his appointment, McEwan said he is “genuinely excited to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for Haier UK & Ireland,” highlighting the strength of the team, the brand portfolio, and the company’s commitment to raising the bar in consumer‑focused home appliances.
Haier Europe noted that its continued momentum in the UK & Ireland is underpinned by a powerful product ecosystem, sustained innovation investment, and a focus on delivering outstanding value to consumers. With McEwan at the helm, the business is positioned to accelerate its trajectory in both premium and mass‑market segments.
Haier Europe encouraged partners and industry colleagues to join in congratulating McEwan as he begins this next chapter.
Category Archives: Appointments
Reinhard Zinkann Named New President of Applia Europe
Reinhard Zinkann, Executive Director and co-owner of the Miele Group, has been elected President of Applia Europe, succeeding former Beko CEO Hakan Bulgurlu for a four-year term.
The appointment is notable at a time when Europe’s household appliance industry faces increasing global competition. Zinkann brings not only executive leadership experience but also the perspective of a major shareholder and member of one of Europe’s most established family-owned manufacturing businesses.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining a strong industrial base, Zinkann stated: “Europe will only remain strong if it continues to build, produce and innovate on its own soil.”
His presidency is expected to focus on strengthening the competitiveness of the European appliance sector while supporting innovation, sustainability and local manufacturing across the region.
Strix Group
Strix Group has appointed Andy Rainforth as CEO from 13 July 2026. With over 30 years’ international leadership across manufacturing, hardware, and SaaS, his arrival signals a fresh phase of technology‑driven growth for the global SDA component specialist
Ultimate Products appoints Simon Harrison as new CEO
Ultimate Products, owner of Salter and Beldray, has appointed Simon Harrison as its new CEO. His arrival marks the next chapter for the fast‑growing consumer goods group, with a continued focus on brand development, retailer partnerships and product innovation across home and kitchen categories
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.
Electrolux appoints head of region for APAC
The Electrolux Group has appointed Bernard Chong to the role of head of region APAC, effective June 1, 2026. He most recently president for Greater China at Dyson
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.
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