KONE to Renew Operating Model in Changing Environment

Effective July 1, KONE plans to implement a revised operational structure and executive board to “increase its competitiveness and customer focus in a changing operating environment.” The aim, KONE said, is to drive the company’s strategy forward with greater speed and efficiency by operating more closely with customers through stronger geographic areas. Under the revised structure, KONE’s geographic areas will have greater accountability for their commercial strategies, giving them “more flexibility to respond to local customer needs and market conditions.” Led by KONE President and CEO Henrick Ehrnrooth, the new Executive Board consists of leaders Joe Bao, Greater China; Samer Halabi, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa; Karla Lindahl, Europe; and Ken Schmid, Americas. New global operational leaders are Ilkka Hara, Finance; Susanne Skippari, People & Communications; Johannes Frände, Legal; Hugues Delval, Commercial & Operations (a new function); Axel Berkling, Strategy & Transformation (a new function); Mikko Korte, Supply Chain (a new function); and Tomio Pihkala, Technology & Innovation. Two current Executive Board members, Tricia Weener, Marketing & Communications; and Maciej Kranz, Technology & Innovation, will step down on July 1. KONE wishes them the best in their future endeavors.