Amid the historic charm of Athens, the CEOs of Europe’s leading home appliance manufacturers gathered for the APPLiA Summer Session—a timely summit focused on shaping the EU policy landscape that will define the future of this critical industry.
🔧 A Sector That Powers More Than Homes
Home appliances might hum quietly in kitchens and laundries, but the sector’s contribution to Europe’s economy is anything but silent. It delivers:
– Nearly 1 million jobs across the continent
– A robust €79 billion impact on EU GDP
– Innovation at the heart of energy efficiency, smart living, and circular economy goals
Industrial Backbone Meets Environmental Frontline
This isn’t just about dishwashers and dryers. The sector stands at the intersection of industrial resilience and ecological responsibility. As Europe strives to meet ambitious climate targets and boost strategic autonomy, home appliance makers are driving:
– Reduced energy consumption in households
– Smarter material use and product lifespans
– Local manufacturing that supports regional supply chains
🧭 Calling for Policy with Purpose
The message from industry leaders in Athens is clear: Without coherent and future-proof policy frameworks the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the sector is at risk. The stakes include:
– Maintaining Europe’s leadership in sustainable appliance design
– Avoiding deindustrialisation and job displacement
– Enabling businesses to invest in digital transformation and research
🌍 What Comes Next?
As EU policymakers craft strategies for a greener, more resilient economy, they must anchor the home appliance sector at the core of that vision. This means:
– Clear regulations that reward innovation and sustainability
– Consistent EU-wide policies to streamline manufacturing and compliance
– Strategic recognition of the sector as a pillar of Europe’s industrial future
The APPLiA Summer Session wasn’t just a meeting—it was a rallying cry. The future is being built, one appliance at a time. Let’s ensure it’s a future made in Europe.
Tag Archives: CEO
New v-Zug CEO
Christoph Kilian is the new V-ZUG Chief Executive Officer.
With his extensive experience in leading international organisations in both the European and global markets, as well as in strategy consulting and marketing, Christoph will strengthen V-ZUG business position worldwide .

V-Zug new CEO
After nearly five years of dedicated service, V-Zug CEO Peter Spirig is set to step down from his position next month. Taking the reins as his successor will be Christoph Kilian, who is poised to officially assume the role of CEO in April.
Electrolux CEO Outlook
Yannick Fierling, Electrolux’s newly installed president and CEO, offered a mixed outlook for the industry but expressed confidence in his company’s execution, brand recognition and product line following a return to U.S. profitability last quarter. Here are excerpts from his commentary.
First Impressions
“After having spent three months getting to know Electrolux Group and its stakeholders, I assumed the position as CEO on Jan. 1, 2025.
“Key takeaways from my initial time with Electrolux Group are the strength of our product offering and the clear identity of our Electrolux, AEG and Frigidaire brands. We really know our consumer, evidenced by the high online consumer star ratings for our products. It is essential to truly nurture the local strengths and what differentiates us in the market, while further leveraging our global scale to drive innovation and mix — all in a cost-efficient manner.
“In addition to offering great products that help consumers make more sustainable choices at home, we need to move even further to experiences by expanding our customized solutions throughout the consumer journey.”
Marius Mihăilescu takes over as CEO of Beko Romania, Moldova, Greece, Malta and Cyprus
Beko Romania, the leader of the local home appliance market, announces the appointment of Mr. Marius Mihăilescu as the new CEO for Romania, Moldova, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus, taking over the position on January 1, 2025, from Mr. Murat Büyükerk, who concludes his seven-year tenure leading local operations and will pursue new professional opportunities.
Yannick Fierling appointed as new President and CEO of Electrolux Group
Electrolux has appointed Yannick Fierling as new President and CEO of Electrolux Group effective January 1, 2025. Yannick Fierling succeeds Jonas Samuelson, who earlier this year informed the Board that he will leave his position by the end of the year.
Yannick Fierling has more than 20 years’ experience from the household appliances industry, most recently as CEO Europe for Haier Corporation during the years 2015 to 2024. Between 2000 and 2015, he held several senior positions within Whirlpool Corporation in Europe and globally.
Yannick Fierling starts at Electrolux Group on October 1 and will take on the formal role as President and CEO on January 1, 2025 after a three-month handover period.Yannick Fierling is 53 years old and a French citizen. He will be based in Stockholm. He holds two Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from France and the United States.
Jonas Samuelson will leave the position as President & CEO of Electrolux Group on January 1, 2025
After more than eight years as CEO and 16 years in the Group management team, Electrolux Group President & CEO Jonas Samuelson has today informed the Board of Directors that he will leave his position and the Board on January 1, 2025. The Board will now initiate a recruitment process for a successor
Yannick Fierling leaving Haier
Changes at the top of Haier Europe Yannick Fierling,is leaving ,He joined the Chinese multinational as CEO Europe: it was 2015 and he came from another top position, that of CEO of Whirlpool Europe
he helped build Haier from practically from zero one of the leading home appliance companies in Europe, growing faster than all their competitors for eight consecutive years and multiplying by 10 the turnover. There is more. They out the first Chinese company entering the Frankfurt Stock Market, made a successful acquisition and brought the group to the 3rd position today in Europe. And have built five factories, and doubled the number of employees
New Whirlpool chief Executive
Whirlpool Corporation has appointed Richard J. Kramer, former chairman, chief executive officer and president of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, to the Board of Directors: he will serve on the corporate governance and nominating committee and the human resources committee.
New CEO of Copreci
Copreci appointed Javier García San Martín as the new CEO of the cooperative. Until this new role he was Operations and Production director at Ulma Forge Solutions. He worked also as manager in the mechanical design department of Ikerlan Technology Center, and held various positions at Fagor Electrodomésticos. “I am very excited – Javier García San Martín commented –, I am aware that it is a very important challenge, socially and business-wise, and I am willing to work hard so that we all feel part of this project”.
