News


New Strategic Appointments at Haier Europe A


s part of its continued eff orts to consolidate leadership in the


European smart living market, Haier Europe is strengthening its Senior Leadership Team with two new strategic appointments. Natalia Sellibara, previously Laundry Senior


Marketing Director & Strategic Initiatives, has been appointed Head of SDA, Robot & TV in Europe. In her new role, she will lead the evolution of the SDA, Robot and TV categories, foster cross-functional collaboration and drive the development of premium, connected


experiences – aligned with the Group’s Zero Distance vision. Roberto Grimaldi has been appointed Washing PL Commercial Director Europe.


A Welcome for High Street Investment, but businesses will still struggle


B


IRA has welcomed the government’s £319


million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high street businesses will continue to struggle. Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: “We


are pleased to see more funds being made available for high street revitalisation. We hope that the High Streets Innovation Partnerships are given the resources and the local leadership needed to truly bring high streets back to life. It will be important for this new initiative to engage meaningfully with the businesses on


FYNE AUDIO launches Full Custom 500SP Finishes to the UK


F


yne Audio unveils fully custom fi nishes and its biggest-ever presence at Bristol


Hi-Fi Show Scottish loudspeaker specialist took over the


entirety of Bristol Suite 1, the show’s biggest demonstration space, with its largest-ever presence at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. Billed as the Fynest Bristol Show yet for the brand, the event introduced expanded colours and custom fi nishes and confi rmed full UK availability of the S-Trax super-tweeter. The 2026 show also marked the fi rst public


presentation of Fyne Audio’s newly expanded colour and customisation off ering. Under the Any Colour You Like banner, visitors saw an expanded palette of standard fi nishes across


4 | www.ierdaily.co.uk PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE


those high streets - they are the ones who understand what their communities need. “Whilst we will always welcome


extra investment in our high streets, the harsh reality is that


for many high street businesses, the costs of running a shop are crippling any chance of long-term success. If high streets are to be fully revitalised, we need to see wholesale reform of business rates and decisive action to reduce the unfair competition from overseas imports. Imposing a handling fee on low-value imports could help level the playing fi eld - and the revenue raised could be used to reform business rates once and for all.”


F500SP models, alongside fully bespoke colour options. This enables customers to specify any 500SP model loudspeaker in any RAL Classic (matt or gloss) colour for a 30% SRP premium over standard fi nishes. The option to customise F500SP models is


exclusive to UK dealers and their customers. Upon order and deposit, customers receive a painted swatch of their chosen colour to sign off before the speakers are painted to order. The whole process takes around 6-8 weeks from order to arrival. Full details from Fyne Audio


Inaugural Excellence Awards being presented at the AMDEA Conference


A


request for entries into the AMDEA Excellence Awards is now live. These


are to be presented at the networking reception on 6 May after the main conference. The AMDEA Excellence Awards provide an opportunity for members to showcase their achievements and demonstrate to customers, partners, employees and the wider industry that their organisation and its people represent the very highest standards of professionalism, innovation and social responsibility. Three award categories are open to all eligible AMDEA Members, reflecting the breadth and dynamism of our sector and two further individual annual awards honouring Outstanding Contribution to AMDEA and Outstanding Contribution to the Home Appliance Sector will also be awarded. The three main Award categories for


entry are, 1. Training and Development Initiative of the Year Award / 2. Circular Economy Contribution of the Year Award / 3. Commitment to Communities Award. The deadline for entries is 17 April


Spring 2026


Roberto will play a key role in strengthening the performance of the ‘Washing’ category across Europe. His role will be fully embedded within the S&OP (Sales & Operations Planning) processes, where he will actively contribute to demand planning and cross-functional coordination, enabling more eff ective, integrated, and results-driven operations. These appointments mark a further step


in strengthening Haier Europe’s leadership structure, reinforcing integration across categories and markets to support long-term, sustainable development


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