World Kitchen Appoints Kenneth G. Wilkes as President and Chief Executive Officer

ROSEMONT, Ill., Aug. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- World Kitchen, LLC, one of the world's leading housewares companies, today announced the appointment of Kenneth G. Wilkes as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, and MaryKay Kopf as Chief Marketing Officer, effective January 1, 2018. Mr. Wilkes succeeds Carl Warschausky, who is retiring. Both Mr. Wilkes and Ms. Kopf currently serve on the World Kitchen Board of Directors.

Mr. Wilkes brings more than 25 years of senior management experience in the global glassware and housewares spaces. He most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Anchor Glass Container Corporation, a leading producer of premium glass packaging products for the food and beverage markets. At Anchor Glass, Mr. Wilkes was a key architect of the company's transformation into a highly profitable, best-in-class glass manufacturer in the United States. Previously, he served as General Manager of International Operations and Chief Financial Officer of Libbey Inc., a global glassware and tableware manufacturer. Mr. Wilkes led Libbey's rapid and profitable expansion into international markets, including sales to more than 100 countries and manufacturing and distribution facilities in Mexico, Europe and China.

"I am thrilled to take on this expanded role during such an important phase of World Kitchen's growth trajectory," Mr. 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."

"I could not be more proud of all that the World Kitchen team has accomplished, and the Company is well-positioned for another century of success," Mr. Warschausky said. "This is the right time for me to retire and pursue the next chapter in my personal and professional life. I look forward to seeing World Kitchen continue to grow and evolve under Ken's leadership."

Ms. Kopf brings three decades of marketing experience in executive roles for leading home and professional appliance maker, AB Electrolux, including global CMO and Senior Vice President and Vice President 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. "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."

Mr. Cornell continued, "Under Carl Warschausky's leadership, World Kitchen has enhanced its position as an innovative consumer products company with powerful brands and a growing global customer base. We thank him for his significant contributions and his leadership and we wish him the best in retirement."

About World Kitchen
Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., World Kitchen and its affiliates manufacture and market products worldwide through a portfolio of well-recognized and respected brands, including under the Pyrex®, Corelle®, Corningware®, Snapware®, Chicago Cutlery®, Revere®, and Baker's Secret® trademarks. World Kitchen and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people, and have major manufacturing and distribution operations in North America and Asia-Pacific regions. For more information, visit www.WorldKitchen.com.  

Media Contacts

World Kitchen
Jonathan Keehner / Ed Trissel / Julie Oakes 
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher 
212-355-4449 
[email protected] 

SOURCE World Kitchen, LLC