Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2024 24 SØREN RYE APPOINTED AS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO FOR MIELE USA Miele, a world-leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances, announced the appointment of Søren Rye as the next president and CEO for Miele USA effective January 2024. Rye will be the third president and CEO since 1984, when the company first established itself in the U.S. In his new role, he will assume responsibility for both Miele USA and Miele Mexico. Most recently, Rye served as managing director of the Nordic and Baltic regions for Miele. "For us at Miele, the United States continues to be the most important market outside of Germany, and it is our strong ambition to become the most desirable premium kitchen brand in the U.S.," said Dr. Axel Kniehl, executive director marketing and sales of the Miele Group. "We are extremely confident in Søren's leadership and passion for the brand's 'Immer Besser' or 'Forever Better' mindset." Rye joined Miele in 2016, beginning as managing director of Denmark, and quickly nurtured the brand to great success. His achievements led to his appointment to head the Nordic region, then overseeing the Nordic and Baltic regions for the brand. Under his leadership, the Nordic and Baltic markets became the fifth-largest region within the Miele Group. Prior to Miele, Rye held sales and corporate leadership positions in the Consumer Package Goods category. He is a current board member of APPLiA Denmark, an association for suppliers of domestic electrical appliances. "With his depth of experience in sales, business strategy, and corp- orate management, Søren is the perfect leader to take Miele forward and accelerate the company's growth opportunities in the U.S. and Mexico markets," said Martin Melzer, regional senior vice president, Miele North West Europe and North America. "In Søren, we see an engaging and compassionate individual who will guide his team at Miele USA to great success and be an advocate to all our business partners so that we will all grow together." "I am honored to lead a remarkably growing Miele subsidiary," said incoming president Søren Rye. "And I am very much looking forward to working with the great team at Miele USA on the future growth of our business here." Rye assumes the role previously held by Jan Heck. After twenty-four years with the Miele organization (17 in Canada and seven in the U.S.), Heck is leaving his position to pursue new opportunities outside Miele. "The entire Executive Board and I would like to thank Jan very much for his achievements and contributions. We wish him success in the new challenges in his professional career," said Melzer. Visit www.mieleusa.com to learn more. 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Creating Next-Level Entertainment Experiences — Users can step into their living room and experience seamless connectivity with the cutting-edge Now+ display – automatically syncing with TVs to guide users through switching music sources from their Buds to the TV, speaker, or Sound Bar. Moreover, Now+ offers a comprehensive summary of the home, including insights into security cameras and energy consumption. With TV Hue Sync, users can create an immersive viewing experience through the TV by syncing TV content and ambient lighting – bringing movies, TV shows, and games to life. Picture yourself watching a thriller where the room comes alive with vibrant colors matching the on- screen animation or relaxing at the end of your day in a space filled with calming hues. As technology continues to evolve, televisions will become more than a household device - they will serve as a gateway to more connected, immersive, and dynamic experiences for the whole family. From staying informed about your home's status to enjoying more captivating movie and TV sessions, SmartThings is introducing users to a lifestyle where entertainment and home efficiency easily coexist. Visit www.partners.smartthings.com for more information. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ] RO

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