To relocate to the US.
KitchenAid Asia Pacific general manager and managing director, Kay Oswald has made the decision to depart the company after three years at the helm of the APAC region and five years with KitchenAid.
He will assume the role of President International Markets for a US based company and will relocate to North America in early November.
Prior to his time with KitchenAid, Oswald worked in marketing and sales positions for Whirlpool, the global parent of KitchenAid, both in the US and Europe.
Under Oswald’s leadership, KitchenAid achieved market leadership in food preparation in Australia, established legal entities and market operations in China and several Southeast Asian countries and continuously expanded the business in India.
This announcement follows a recent restructure of the local operations that saw a realignment of national account managers, the introduction of field sales representatives and a new marketing team.
Commenting on his departure, Oswald said, “From building the blender business to leading an agile and fast-paced region of Asia Pacific, I am proud of what KitchenAid has accomplished, especially the progress we have made in ethnic and gender diversity, moving us toward the values-based organisation we aspire to be.
“I would like to thank the KitchenAid team and our valued trade partners. It has been a privilege working for KitchenAid, a company which is always on the front foot when it comes to innovation and adapting global best practices. I am confident that the right talent is in the right roles and I am looking forward to seeing the organisation continue to prosper in the future.”
KitchenAid Australia commercial director, Richard Thom has been promoted to managing director of the Australian and New Zealand operations. He brings 10 years of experience, having worked across the sales organisation within KitchenAid.
“Richard has been an outstanding leader in our organisation and his promotion to Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand is not only highly-deserved but also marks the final step in creating a fully autonomous local market operation that will enable us to drive the SDA category and our business even faster in the future,” Oswald said.
His successor in the APAC leadership role will be announced later in the year.