Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2022 16 BEKO'S VISIONARY U.S. PRESIDENT ZACH ELKIN INDUCTED INTO THE 2022 NKBA HALL OF FAME 44-year home appliance industry veteran honored at KBIS as NKBA's sole 2022 Hall of Fame inductee The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has inducted Zach Elkin, president of Beko Home Appliances, into its Kitchen & Bath Industry Hall of Fame as the sole member of its 2022 Hall of Fame class. The honor was bestowed upon Zach during the NKBA 2022 Design Competition and Industry Awards at the 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando, Fla., attended by his family, lifelong colleagues and industry friends. Considered the most prestigious lifetime achievement award in the home appliance industry, the NKBA Hall of Fame honors individuals who not only embody the spirit of the industry but have actively contributed to its growth throughout their careers. "To say I am humbled and thankful does not give the gravity of this honor the justice it deserves," said Elkin. "For four decades, I have dedicated my life to the kitchen and bath industry, following in the footsteps and standing on the shoulders of the titans who came before me. My journey is a culmination of all that I have learned and applied to the incredible brands I've worked with and had the honor of leading. My deepest gratitude to the Hall of Fame committee, my family and former and current colleagues." During his illustrious 44-year career, Zach has become an undisputed industry leader known for using innovative marketing, product design and positioning strategies, and for a passion for great home and kitchen design to build global businesses and brands. In his current role as president of Beko U.S., Inc., he leads the fastest-growing and most sustainable home appliance brand in the U.S. A subsidiary of Arçelik, one of the world's largest home appliance manufacturers, Beko is utilizing its global pedigree in wellness and sustainability to launch the Beko Healthy Kitchen – an industry-first collective of products, people and partnerships exploring the emergence of the American kitchen as the new intersection of personal and planetary health at KBIS 2022. Zach got his start in the industry in 1978 as a member of Sears Holdings Corporation, where he was continually promoted for achievement in various sales, marketing and operations roles over a 27-year span. At Bosch Siemens Home (BSH) Appliances Corporation, he was responsible for helping one of America's first and most iconic appliance brands, Thermador, reclaim its cooking prominence using an innovative blend of marketing, promotional, PR and influencer strategies while shoring up its dealer network. In an executive leadership role at Signature Kitchen Suite® (SKS), part of the LG family, Zach was responsible for forming the first-ever SKS design council that brought together seasoned design professionals to create a platform for collaboration on product development, industry trends and brand growth. "Zach's role as a leader and passionate advocate for the kitchen and bath industry truly sets him apart and makes him absolutely deserving of this honor," said Bill Darcy, NKBA chief executive officer. MARCH I N D U S T RY [ N E W S ]

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