SVP WORLDWIDE EXPANDS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

October 20, 2009 - SVP Worldwide, the world’s largest sewing machine company, has expanded its management team with five key executive appointments. Hilmi Kelleci has been named Senior Vice President of International Sales and Business Development; Rick Kerrigan has been named Senior Vice President of Supply Chain; Nikolaus Wöhrle has been named Vice President of Product Development, Barbara Quijada has been named Vice President of Retail Sales and Ann Bragg-Korhnak has been named Vice President of Aftermarket and Brand Extension Sales. 

“We are committed to providing our customers with the best products and outstanding service,” said Jeff Feinberg, CEO of SVP Worldwide. “The presence of these talented executives, with extensive experience and industry knowledge, speaks to the value of this company’s brands and will enable us to exceed our customers’ expectations as we move into the future.”

With an extensive background in consumer products, Mr. Kelleci returns to SVP, which he initially joined in 2002, having served as General Manager with Dell Turkey for the past nearly two years. Previously at SVP he was Vice President of European Direct Operations. Earlier in his career, he held senior positions at Energizer/Eveready Battery Company and Coty Cosmetics, among others. In his new role, he will oversee all international sales and business development. He is based in Milan.

Having served in senior supply chain roles at several large manufacturing companies, Mr. Kerrigan brings significant experience developing and managing worldwide supply chains. He most recently served as Vice President of Global Supply Chain for Formica Corporation, a global leader in surfacing materials. Before that, he was with SI Corporation and Owens Corning. In his new role, he will be responsible for leading global operations and supply chain, including research and development, engineering and quality.  He is based in Nashville, TN.

Nikolaus Wöhrle is an experienced sales, marketing and product development professional, having served in senior roles with SVP and related companies since 1996. Prior to his recent appointment, he served as Global Product Manager, responsible for SVP’s product portfolio across all three brands. Previously, he was Global Product Manager for Singer, Ltd. and, before that, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Singer Sewing Co. Earlier in his career he was President of Pfaff Italiana SpA, Pfaff’s consumer sewing machine subsidiary. Moving forward, Mr. Wöhrle will be responsible for leading the development of all products, including new sewing machines under all SVP brands (Singer, Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff), the introduction of new aftermarket items including software, designs, quilting equipment and accessories, as well as the roll out of new brand extension items, such as ironing items. He is based in Nashville.

Ms. Quijada’s vast experience provides her with a unique and valuable understanding of various intricacies of the industry. Having started her 30-year career at the Singer Company, she spent 16 years at House of Fabrics Inc. directing the sewing machine sales effort before joining VSM (now SVP Worldwide) in 1998. In her new role, she will lead the sales team for SVP’s 186 company-owned retail stores, comprised primarily of lease departments operating inside of JoAnn Fabric stores.  She is based in Nashville.

A seasoned manager and sales professional, Ms. Bragg-Korhnak’s tenure with SVP Worldwide spans 13 years, beginning with various senior positions in operations for the wholesale and retail division and eventually as Area Manager of retail sales. In her new position as Vice President of Aftermarket and Brand Extension Sales, Ms. Bragg-Korhnak will lead the sales and marketing team for Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff, and Singer Aftermarket products globally. Before joining SVP Worldwide, Ms. Bragg-Korhnak was the owner operator of an interior design firm in Southern, Ohio. She is based in Nashville.

About SVP Worldwide®

SVP Worldwide, a global company headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda and doing business through its affiliated companies in over 190 countries, specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of high quality household sewing machines and related products under the SINGER, HUSQVARNA VIKING, and PFAFF brand names. For more information about the Company and the company’s brands view the following websites: www.svpworldwide.com, http://www.singer.com/, http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/, http://www.pfaff.com/, http://www.sewingideas.com/, and http://www.myembroideries.com/.

For more information contact:

Rachel Cohen
SVP Worldwide
Telephone: 646-378-2084
Email: rcohen@svpworldwide.com