By James Wells
SYDNEY: The local subsidiary of global appliance and whitegoods manufacturer, Haier, has announced the resignation of its general manager – sales, Alan Delzoppo.
Delzoppo, who officially left his position last Friday, will continue to act as a business consultant to Haier Australia, in an effort to ensure Haier’s continuity, focusing on sales and marketing issues.
Prior to joining Haier, Delzoppo worked for Metters, then Email Major Appliances, then Electrolux Home Products for 39 years. Prior to leaving Electrolux, Delzoppo was general manager – sales, air conditioning.
Greg Dwyer has been promoted to the role of national sales manager, responsible for achieving and managing the company’s national retail sales objectives.
Dwyer’s extensive state-based sales experience is expected to be invaluable as he settles into his new role liaising with key retail customers and directing the company’s retail sales and agency team activities.
“I look forward to building on the good work that has already been accomplished towards making Haier a household name in Australia,” said Dwyer.
“Haier will continue to offer major support for retailers by communicating with, supporting and servicing stockists while offering reliable products backed by a strong brand marketing campaign and service centre,” said Dwyer.
Since joining Haier, Delzoppo has been responsible for introducing a five year warranty on the company’s products as well as establishing retail distribution agreements with Harvey Norman and Narta.
Narta retailers who now sell Haier products include Clive Anthonys in Queensland, Warehouse Sales in Victoria and the publicly-listed Clive Peeters who also owns Western Australia whitegoods specialist Rick Hart.
Haier is initially supplying Harvey Norman with laundry, refrigeration and dishwasher products, while other categories such as telecommunications and information technology products are being considered as extensions to the range.
During his time as general manager, Delzoppo helped conceive an induction program with Harvey Norman stores that sell Haier products to introduce retailers to the Chinese manufacturer’s products, philosophies and plans for future growth.
Haier expects to become a top three ranked appliance brand in the Australian market by 2008 and believes brands such as Electrolux Home Products, Fisher & Paykel, Samsung and LG are the only companies which can prevent it from reaching its goal.