World Kitchen has appointed Kenneth Wilkes as president and CEO, effective immediately, and MaryKay Kopf as chief marketing officer, effective January 1, 2018. Wilkes succeeds Carl Warschausky, who is retiring. Both Wilkes and Kopf currently serve on the World Kitchen board of directors.
Wilkes brings more than 25 years of senior management experience in the global glassware and housewares categories. He most recently served as evp/chief financial officer and chief administrative officer of Anchor Glass Container Corporation. Previously, he served as general manager of international operations and chief financial officer of Libbey Inc., a global glassware and tableware manufacturer. Wilkes led Libbey’s expansion into international markets, including sales to more than 100 countries and manufacturing and distribution facilities in Mexico, Europe and China, according to the company.
“I am thrilled to take on this expanded role during such an important phase of World Kitchen’s growth trajectory,” Wilkes said. “I am committed to building on World Kitchen’s unique heritage and portfolio of iconic brands and to delivering results for our customers, investors, partners and employees. Our focus remains on accelerating innovation and operational excellence globally, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the leadership team and our talented employees.”
Kopf brings three decades of marketing experience in executive roles for Electrolux, including global chief marketing officer and vp/marketing North America as well as a variety of senior management positions at DuPont prior to joining Electrolux in 2003.
“We are very pleased to welcome two strong key executives, whom each bring decades of executive leadership, operational and financial skills and records of demonstrated success,” said Henry Cornell, chairman of the board, World Kitchen. “As World Kitchen enters its next phase of growth, with the addition of Ken and MaryKay, I am confident the company will reach new heights.”
