Electrolux recently held its first company conference in seven years with 200 staff members coming together at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney.
During the conference the company discussed the major products scheduled for 2025, key marketing initiatives and addressed the challenges associated with the 2024 SAP implementation.
Under the leadership of ANZ Managing Director Kurt Hegvold, the focus and key messages of the conference were clear: accelerating growth, supporting each other and continuing to deliver exceptional value for customers and partners.
“We united the team to ensure we acknowledged the incredible work they’ve done and to unveil the vison to ensure we are the Growth Partner of Choice Every Time,” Hegvold said.
Innovation was the recurring theme as attendees were treated to a sneak peek of what lies ahead in 2025.
“The launch of AEG Zukunft at IFA last year was a big milestone for us, but we’re not stopping there. Looking to this year, it was important to present to the team new product ranges for the Australian and New Zealand markets they can get really excited about. Importantly, they heard first-hand how we’re supporting our customers with highly engaging brand awareness campaigns and retail sales training for their teams,” he said.
Hegvold set the strategic agenda and took time to acknowledge the many highlights of the past year while planting the seeds for the year ahead to win the hearts and minds of consumers through insights, innovation, collaboration and outstanding service.
“With our new Group CEO, Yannick Fierling, taking the reins this year, we’re aligned on both empowering our employees to focus on the consumer without losing sight of growing profitably and delivering at speed.”
Hegvold acknowledged that 2024 presented challenges for the business, notably the implementation of SAP and he specifically referenced the patience of affected retailers and the personal impact experienced by many employees.
“For the challenges you have faced, the impact to our valued partners and the tireless support you have brought, often under duress, I apologise, it is on me. It is my responsibility to fix it and for your role in correcting our business, you have my eternal gratitude.”
Guest speaker, consumer sector analyst Craig Woolford, provided a compelling insight into what’s driving consumer sentiment and to give his outlook on the myriad of factors which point towards a strengthening of shopper confidence. The presentations throughout the day from Electrolux teams served to excite and provide confidence that the Group is well placed to meet this demand.
Closing the day, employees enjoyed toasting peer success at a Gala Awards dinner to celebrate some of the great team contributions in the previous year.
Hegvold summarised the day and shared the sentiment of attendees.
“Like everyone in this industry, we’ve seen some challenges in the last few years. What I’ve seen today was a truly united team, ready and excited to win together.”