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.
Category Archives: Appointments
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.”
LG Germany
LG Home Appliance Solution is expanding its top management team in Germany with three industry-leading executives. The company says this will enable it to prepare for future market demands. Markus Spodymek is the new Director and Head of LG Home Appliance Solution, effective immediately.
The trained businessperson and sales expert has held various management positions at LG for over ten years, most recently as Head of Marketing and Sales in the Home Appliance Solutions division. Spodymek, who reports directly to Germany CEO Steve Shin, will be responsible for further sharpening LG’s strategic positioning in Germany and sustainably expanding its market position, according to a press release.
Vincent Rotger Joins Electrolux Group as Chief Strategy Office
Electrolux Group has named Vincent Rotger as its new Chief Strategy Officer, effective June 12, 2025. He will relocate to Stockholm to lead business strategy, mergers, and acquisitions, reporting to CEO Yannick Fierling.
“I am committed to sustainable development and excited to join Electrolux Group, a leader in this field,” Rotger stated.
With 27 years in the household appliance industry, Rotger’s career spans Whirlpool, Haier Europe, and Everever, a French sustainable appliance startup. He succeeds Henrik Dagberg, who steps down after eight years. Fierling expressed gratitude, saying, “Henrik’s impact will be felt for years to come.”
Rotger’s leadership is expected to strengthen Electrolux’s strategic growth and sustainability efforts.
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
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