Samsung Partners With Jamie Oliver

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced a partnership with chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Jamie Oliver, which will bring an exclusive new range of simple, easy-to-make, family-friendly recipes to Samsung’s Bespoke AI appliances and smart devices.

Jamie designed the new recipes with Samsung’s AI technology in mind, and how it can help us live smarter; from ovens that cook two dishes at two different temperatures at once, to refrigerators that suggest recipes based on the ingredients you already have at home.

Beko UK sales director retirement

After 20 incredible years at UK Beko plc, we’re saying a fond farewell to Kevin Wackett as he retires from his role as Sales Director.

Kevin’s Beko journey began in 2004 as Key Account Director and since then he’s been a driving force behind our growth, leading the Sales team with passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart. Under his leadership as Sales Director since 2011, Beko became the UK’s number one appliance brand, a milestone we’re proud of and one Kevin helped make possible.

But Kevin’s legacy goes far beyond business results. He’s been a mentor, a motivator, and a constant source of positivity. His integrity and warmth have left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

Kevin, you will be sadly missed and always remembered as a big part of the Beko story.

China’s ’Home Appliances Queen’ Steps Down

Dong Mingzhu, widely recognized as China’s “home appliances queen,” has been re-elected as chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, a position she has held for the past 13 years. However, as part of the company’s efforts to refresh its leadership team, the 71-year-old has stepped down as president.

Gree Electric Appliances, headquartered in Zhuhai, announced yesterday that Dong will continue to serve as chairwoman for her fifth three-year term, while Zhang Wei, aged 49, will take over as the firm’s new president.

Having started her journey at Gree as a sales representative, Dong has dedicated 35 years to the company, rising to the role of president in 2007 and chairwoman in 2012. Under her guidance, Gree has evolved from a manufacturer of air conditioners into a diversified conglomerate with ventures in smart equipment, industrial robotics, and new energy sectors. The company now boasts annual revenues exceeding CNY200 billion (USD27.4 billion)

Mauro Porcini has been announced as the chief design officer at Samsung.

The position, newly created for Porcini, is his third time establishing a chief design officer role at a major company—following 3M and PepsiCo. It’s also the first time that Samsung has hired a foreign design lead.

It’s a bold move at a time when Samsung’s business is facing “crisis”-level headwinds. The company just lost its co-CEO Jong-Hee to cardiac arrest. Meanwhile, it’s shed marketshare in semiconductors to competitors, all while China is becoming better and better at building almost everything. And Samsung’s Mexico-based production (which represents a significant part of the business) faces 25% tariffs under the Trump

Glen Dimplex founder Martin Naughton’s son to become CEO

Glen Dimplex, the electrical goods company founded by Martin Naughton, has named one of the businessman’s sons as its next chief executive officer (CEO).

Fergal Naughton (49), who has been a director of Glen Dimplex  for the past 18 years, according to Companies Registration Office (CRO) filings, will succeed Fergal Leamy from next month.

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances Appoints Peter Spencer as New Managing Director

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances (GDHA) has announced the appointment of Peter Spencer, former Managing Director of Electrolux UK, as its new Managing Director.

With an impressive track record in driving commercial success, Spencer has been recognised for his ability to forge strong customer partnerships, improve profitability, and enhance consumer experiences—qualities GDHA describes as essential to leading its brands and business forward.

Spencer’s extensive career includes his role as Managing Director for Electrolux UK, as well as serving as European Vice President of Aftermarket Services and European Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer.