ECULLY CEDEX, France.–Groupe SEB reported its sales for 2009 totalling $4,489 million, or a decline of 1.6 percent, and a slight increase at constant exchange rates.
Its North American business, which includes the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fell 11.4 percent in current exchange rates, or 12.6 in constant exchange rates, for 2009 sales of $493 million. It said that the end of 2009, and December in particular, saw a “sharp upswing in business in several of the group’s major markets,” according to a release, after a “lackluster” third quarter.
Its high-end sales in the U.S. “suffered,” and affected Krups, Rowenta and, especially All-Clad, which was the hardest hit. Its T-fal brand “held its own,” due to its mid-range positioning, which “boosted demand and led to new retail listings.” And while WearEver suffered early in the year, the release said, it “achieved a very good second half.”
Meanwhile, Groupe SEB USA announced two personnel changes: Tom Hose has been named vice president, Krups-sales, marketing and partnerships, while Martin Armstrong has become All-Clad’s vice president of sales.
Hose was formerly vice president, partnerships and new business development for Groupe SEB USA. Previously located in the West Orange, N.J., office, he will now work out of the Canonsburg, Penn., office, the headquarters of the high-end brands of Groupe SEB USA. Hose will report to Marc Breviere, vice president, sales, marketing and communications, Groupe SEB High-End Brands.
Now based in Canonsburg as well and reporting to Breviere, Armstrong previously spent more than 17 years at KitchenAid managing the global brand growth in the kitchen appliances market.
