By Matthew Henry
GRAND RAPIDS, USA: Bissell Inc today announced it has appointed floorcare industry veteran of 20 years, Jeff Kelso, to head up its new Australian subsidiary in the role of managing director.
US-based Bissell Inc recently acquired the agency for the Bissell brand in Australia from ED Oates and established Bissell Australia, which will distribute and market its range of floorcare and steam cleaning appliances.
Kelso joins Jeff Gardner at the new business, who was recently appointed sales manager having worked extensively with the Bissell brand in Australia while it was managed by ED Oates and before.
“The high caliber of our new management team is a testament to our new approach to the market. Jeff Kelso and his new team will revitalize our brand and bring a growth mentality to our business,” said Bissell executive vice-president – sales, marketing and product development, Jim Krzeminski, in a statement released today.
Bissell is a 130-year old family-owned company specializing in home cleaning products including sweepers, vacuums, deep cleaning machines and cleaning formulas sold at retail worldwide.
The US parent company said it plans to support the new business in the competitive Australian floorcare category with new products and marketing on the way.
“We are pleased with the success of our brand in North America, the United Kingdom and around the world. It is time to take our business up to the next level in Australia. We will invest in our brand and in new products for the Australian consumer,” said Krzeminski.
Bissell claims it is currently the market leader in all cleaning appliances in North America.