Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2021 26 "Cooktops are popular in kitchen design because they open up counterspace and can be installed anywhere within the space, and we saw an area of opportunity for a professional product that offers a masculine design palette," said Kyle You, Managing Director of THOR Kitchen. "With a growing trend of men spending more time in the kitchen, THOR's new Drop-In Gas Cooktops combine premium features like high-powered burners and continuous cast-iron grates with an industrial design appearance to appeal to his style." KEY PRODUCT FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS • The 30-inch and 36-inch Professional Drop-in Gas Cooktops are equipped with four and six burners, respectively. High- intensity 18,000 BTU burners on each unit produce fast, intense heat for boiling water quickly. • The cooktops feature clean lines and minimal curves for a streamlined and masculine design aesthetic. The metal- constructed knobs illuminate a striking blue when in operation and their position on top of the unit provides easy access to control flame settings. • Each unit is composed of a single, one-piece spill tray to easily wipe away spills, grease and crumbs. The stainless-steel finish is rustproof and can withstand heavy scrubbing. The sleek, modern look complements any kitchen design. Visit www.thorkitchen.com for more information about the 30-inch Professional Gas Cooktop (TGC3001) or 36-inch Professional Gas Cooktop (TGC3601). CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER MELANIE COOK TO RETIRE FROM GE APPLIANCES GE Appliances (GEA), a Haier company, announced the retirement of Chief Operating Officer and 25-year veteran Melanie Cook. Over the last few years since taking over as chief operating officer in 2017, Cook has put the building blocks, talent and systems in place at GE Appliances that serve as the foundation for the company's continued growth. "Throughout her 15-year career with General Electric, plus the last 10 years with GE Appliances, Melanie has been a friend and mentor to so many employees who appreciate her strategic vision, her counsel and her laughter," said Kevin Nolan, president and chief executive officer for GE Appliances in a letter to employees. "Melanie has been a role model and trailblazer throughout her career, achieving personal growth goals and taking on challenging assignments that propelled her forward and made her one of the top leaders in the company. Melanie will be greatly missed by the entire GEA team." From international roles, to six years on the Corporate Audit Staff, Cook gained experience quickly across General Electric. She led several businesses within GE, managing through a turnaround, disposition and integration before coming to GE Appliances in 2011 to lead the cooking business. By the time Cook moved to Louisville, she had lived in 17 locations with 25 moves across the U.S., Asia and Europe. In 2014 she was asked to lead Sourcing, and in 2016 she was asked by Haier to co-lead a global effort to find sourcing synergies. In 2017, she was named to her current role as chief operating officer. Cook is looking forward to a reduced schedule to support her aging parents, see her children off to university, focus on health and enjoy time in the great outdoors. She intends to stay active, volunteering with her favorite nonprofits and will seek to participate on several corporate boards to continue to improve representation of women in corporate leadership roles. The leaders currently reporting to Cook will report directly to Kevin Nolan, president and chief executive officer and Marc Charnas, chief financial officer. Visit www.geappliancesco.com for more information. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ] RO

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