Jay Penney has joined Element Electronics to spearhead the organization’s new private-label appliance initiative. The lineup available exclusively to members of Nationwide Marketing Group currently includes refrigerators and freezers but is looking to expand to even more categories.
“Throughout my career, I have always loved working with independent dealers, helping them win in a very competitive marketplace,” says Penney, senior vice president / general manager of Element Appliances. “In this new role, I get to continue feeding that passion while also introducing consumers to a high-quality line of appliances at a very fair price.”
Penney’s 30-year career in the appliance industry began at Sears Amana Refrigeration in the Chicago area where he was an inside sales associate. He later served as manager of buying groups, sales manager and senior account manager for Sears Amana; vice president of sales and marketing, and senior vice president of sales for Electrolux; and executive vice president for Almo Corporation, where he managed the specialty products division. Most recently, he acted as CEO and president of SubAir Systems, a world leader in subsurface aeration for the golf and sports industry.
Penney’s rich history in the appliance industry made him the best candidate for this position with Element Appliances, explains Michael O’Shaughnessy, Element’s CEO.
“Jay Penney is one of the most recognized leaders in the major appliance industry and has always championed independent retailers,” says O’Shaughnessy, who has been friends with Penney for more than 20 years and also worked both with and for him earlier in his career. “It’s a privilege to have him at Element and to work with him again in support of the independent channel.”
The change in leadership has also been well received by Nationwide Marketing Group’s appliance retailers, says Patrick Maloney, Nationwide’s executive vice president of membership.
“Our members were already interested in Element Appliances due to the product quality, availability and price point, but bringing someone of Jay’s caliber on board really elevated the conversation,” says Maloney, who worked for Penney while the two were at Electrolux. “We’re thrilled to have Jay in our corner and look forward to a long and successful relationship with Element Appliances.”
Jessica is the Chief Digital Editor for CT Lab Global Media, the North American platform for IFA Berlin.
