IHA Unveils New Strategic Plan, Realigns Staff

The International Housewares Association’s (IHA’s) board of directors recently completed development of a strategic plan, “Vision 2020,” that will guide the association in the future as the IHA continues its tradition of delivering value to the housewares industry.

“The focus of the plan is on IHA’s core competency, the facilitation of trade between buyers and sellers primarily through delivery of a world-class trade event, the International Home + Housewares Show,” explained Keith Jaffee, chairman of O2 Cool and IHA’s 2013-14 chairman of the board. 

“But along with the flawless execution of the show and IHA’s other value-added member services, the plan has added a new component recognizing the importance of engaging with the consumer to enhance their exposure to housewares products and trends.”

Other member services addressed in the plan include trade missions to key foreign markets and delivery of industry educational and networking opportunities.

“A strategic plan aligns resources with prioritized objectives,” said Phil Brandl, IHA’s president and CEO. “To that end, IHA has realigned its staff resources to support the execution of the plan. As part of that alignment, Derek Miller, formerly vice president-international, will now head show marketing efforts and operate under the title of vice president-global marketing. 

“Perry Reynolds, formerly vice president-marketing and trade development, will lead the member services and trade development efforts. He will operate under the title of vice president-global trade development. These changes allow IHA to unify the domestic and international efforts that formerly had been split between the two managers and their departments.”

Miller and Reynolds will be transitioning to their new responsibilities over the next several months, Brandl said.