Jesse Joins IHA As Industry Development VP

Retail veteran Jon Jesse is joining the International Housewares Association as its VP/Industry Development, a newly created position. His appointment goes into effect on Jan. 1.

In his new position, Jesse’s responsibilities will include overseeing member and retailer relations and developing a strategic plan for attracting young talent to the housewares industry.

“Jon’s role at IHA will leverage his deep knowledge of the retail community and of the housewares business,” said Phil Brandl, IHA’s president and CEO. “We look forward to the many contributions Jon’s experience and talents will bring to our organization, its members and the retail community.”

Jesse retail experience includes his tenure at Kohl’s, where he served as the department store chain’s senior VP/DMM. Prior to joining Kohl’s in 1990, Jesse was a housewares buyer for Marshall Field’s in Chicago.  He has also served IHA through his participation in the association’s Retail Advisory Council for 15 years and as a consultant for the past year.

“I am very much looking forward to joining the IHA team,” Jesse said. “I hope to employ my passion for the housewares business in bringing a meaningful contribution to our industry.”