By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
Miele Taps Grayson-Roper as VP of Marketing: German luxury appliance giant Miele has named Catherine Grayson-Roper VP of marketing for the U.S. and Mexico, reporting to Søren Rye, president and CEO of Miele USA and Mexico. Grayson-Roper directs the company’s consumer marketing including advertising, market research, category management, and internal and external communications. She joins Miele from MillerKnoll luxury home furnishings, where she implemented global retail marketing capabilities for Herman Miller, Knoll, and Design Within Reach. Before that, she led marketing for brands including Delta Faucet, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Johnson & Johnson. More on Miele here.
Kelly Teams with Fabuwood: Award-winning designer Kerrie Kelly, FASID, CEO and Creative Director for Kerrie Kelly Studio, and Secretary/Treasurer of the NKBA Board of Directors, has teamed with Newark, NJ-based cabinetry company Fabuwood as creative director. Kelly, based in Sacramento, CA, will bring a West Coast perspective to Fabuwood as it aims to strengthen its foothold in western markets, and help “create fresh, functional design solutions that transform how people experience everyday life at home,” she said. More details here.
Ramsay Partners With Thor: Multi-Michelin-Starred celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and Thor appliances have collaborated on a chef-inspired collection of ranges, refrigerators and dishwashers. The Thor Kitchen x Gordon Ramsay features professional-grade appliances for the residential kitchen, including a tilt-panel gas range in multiple sizes, electric ranges, French-door refrigerators, and dishwashers. They are available in stainless steel with handle options in bronze, rose gold and navy, plus a limited-edition black series. Learn more here.
Cosentino Promotions: Cosentino North America has promoted four key leaders across different company segments. Massimo Ballucchi has been named VP of Institutional Relations, leading Cosentino’s Business Development & Institutional Relations team. He has been with the company more than seven years in marketing and executive positions, and also is a longtime member of NKBA’s KBIS Exhibitor Committee. Gary Andler, a 19-year Cosentino veteran, has been promoted to Vice President of Retail Channels. He previously was a senior advisor and VP of National Accounts. Ignacio Paniagua, who joined in 2016, was named Executive Director of Kitchen & Bath in North America, after serving in the Strategy department. Returning to the North American operation after stints in the British Isles and Spain, Alvaro Chomon was named Executive Director of Commercial Accounts, and has been with the company over nine years. KBB has the story.
SKS Named Partner of Food & Wine Classic: Luxury appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite was named the exclusive appliance partner at the inaugural Food & Wine Classic, which took place Sept. 27-29 in Charleston, SC. As a premier sponsor, SKS supplied appliances for renowned chefs, who demonstrated induction and sous vide cooking methods. Appliances included a 48-inch dual-fuel pro range, a 36-inch Flex Induction cooktop, undercounter convertible refrigerator and freezer drawers, and undercounter wine refrigerators. Learn more here.
Chapter Updates
Expo in OK: The Oklahoma Chapter is hosting its 2024 Chapter Expo on Oct. 24, 5 to 8 PM at Reece Bath + Kitchen, 501 NE 122nd Street, Suite C, in Oklahoma City. The event is free, supports vendor partners and provides an informative experience for membership. This tabletop expo offers a hands-on opportunity for members to see and learn about the latest products, network and build relationships while enjoying food, drinks, and door prizes. More here.
Lobstah and Learning in Maine: Join the Maine Chapter on Oct. 29 for an all-day Lobster Toss Cornhole Tournament and Educational Event and The Dome at Portland Sports Complex, 512 Warren Avenue in Portland. The day starts with light breakfast at 8:30 AM and includes educational seminars worth 0.2 CEUs: “The Art of Storage” presented by Richelieu, a presentation by master sponsor LX Hausys, and “Selling with Empathy” by SaPre. Lunch, networking, cornhole, fun and prizes round out the day. Registration starts at $75 for members. More info here.
Dress Up in Minnesota: The Minnesota State Chapter is hosting a Showroom Social and Costume Party on Oct. 30, 4:30 to 7:30 PM, at MSI’s new location, 10955 73rd Place North in Maple Grove. An optional 0.1 CEU Presentation, “Countertop Chronicles: Unveiling Surface Secrets” runs from 5 to 6 PM. Food, fun, drink, and door prizes are included for $20 for NKBA Members, $40 for non-members. More detail here.
Industry News
Existing Home Sales Dip in August: Sales of existing homes fell 2.5 percent in August from July, and were off 4.2 percent from August 2023, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. While “disappointing,” the recent prospect of lower mortgage rates and increasing inventory is “a powerful combination that will provide the environment for sales to move higher in future months,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. Total inventory in August was up 0.7 percent from July and a substantial 22.7 percent from August 2023, creating a supply of 4.2 months at the current sales pace. Sales of new homes also fell in August, by 4.7 percent from July. Learn more here.
