SMYRNA, TENN. — Franke Kitchen Systems North America recently named Gary T. Langbo President of Sales & Marketing. Based at Franke Kitchen Systems headquarters in Smyrna (Nashville), TN, Langbo will have full commercial responsibility and accountability for the Kitchen Systems business in the United States and Canada.
Langbo’s primary goal will be to accelerate sales and growth initiatives and position Franke as a leader in the domestic residential kitchen systems segment. In this function, Langbo will become a member of the GLT (Global Leadership Team) and report to Lars Voelkel, CEO of Franke Kitchen Systems.
Langbo has extensive experience in building multi-brand strategies across a portfolio of products and channels. Most recently, he held the role of Vice President, Retail, Global Commercial, and Consumer Products for Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in Northbrook (Chicago), IL. There, he was responsible for global sales across a diverse set of retailers, brand owners and suppliers, covering multiple industries and service lines. Previous to UL, Gary worked for over 16 years with Whirlpool Corporation in various brand product and commercial roles.
Langbo has an M.B.A. in International Business from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business and Juris Doctor, both from DePaul University in Chicago. He also has a B.A. in Economics & Management from Albion College in Albion, MI.