The Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association (KBSA) has recruited former BSH UK chief executive Uwe Hanneck to devise the company’s long-term strategy.
He will be hired as a consultant following the retirement of KBSA chief executive Graham Ball earlier this summer.
Hanneck retired from his position at BSH at the end of 2010. He has chaired the KBB NTG, as well as WEEE producer compliance scheme Repic and white goods manufacturers association Amdea. He currently serves on the advisory board of German Industry UK.
His main focus will be to review the current organisation’s proposition and its position in the kitchen retail market.
The KBSA said it plans to revisit the CEO position once the strategy has been agreed.
Richard Hibbert, KBSA board member, commented: “The board are delighted that Uwe has agreed to take up the challenge and work with the KBSA. Following Graham’s departure, we were presented with an opportunity to look at what we do and how we remain relevant to the independent specialist. With Uwe’s experience and background, he was the ideal choice to head up this project.”
Rugby Fitted Kitchens managing director Trevor Scott commented: “Great news for the KBSA that great stalwart of the kitchen industry, Uwe Hanneck, has been brought in to consult for them and to look at ways of bringing this organisation kicking and screaming into the 21st century.
“I have had a healthy respect for Uwe and all he did with Neff and BSH in the UK for the many years he headed up the organisation. I don’t think I’ll be alone in voicing the opinion that without him Neff wouldn’t be the brand it is in the UK today.
“Consequently his appointment is nothing short of genius by the board of the KBSA. Hopefully, he will lead it to truly become the principal trade organisation for this industry that it always hoped to be, but never quite managed to achieve. Let’s just hope they act on his recommendations. And you never know, RFK might at last consider joining.”