GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan visits the Connecticut micro factory where Monogram’s Smart Flush Hearth Oven was developed.
GE Appliances’ CEO embraces ‘co-creation’ with customers
YSN Staff
The following profile is condensed from The Wall Street Journal’s “The Big Thinkers” series of contributed content.
Kevin Nolan, president and CEO of GE Appliances, embraces curiosity and collaboration to foster innovation in home goods.
Despite the company’s long history and extensive place in American households, Nolan maintains a humble and straightforward demeanor. He began his career with General Electric in engineering, eventually transitioning to the appliance business. Upon GE Appliances’ acquisition by Haier Group in 2016, Nolan became CTO and a year later, CEO.
Breaking Down Silos
Initially skeptical of Haier’s decentralized approach to innovation, Nolan recognized similarities to GE Appliances’ culture, appreciating the quick decision-making and market responsiveness it allowed.
As with Haier’s practice of Rendanheyi, Nolan champions co-creation with customers, as exemplified by initiatives like FirstBuild, a makerspace encouraging hands-on experimentation and idea submission. This approach led to products like an indoor smoker and a high-temperature hearth oven for baking Neapolitan-style pizzas, demonstrating the value of community engagement in innovation.
Additionally, Nolan emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting customer needs throughout the product lifecycle, from sales to service. GE Appliances’ internal service department, which is unique in the industry, ensures direct feedback and maintains a personal connection with customers.
Global Partnerships
Other collaborations, such as with global tech consultancy Tech Mahindra, further enhance GE Appliances’ innovation capabilities by leveraging diverse expertise and staying abreast of emerging technologies.
Nolan’s passion for mechanical creativity extends after hours, as he enjoys tinkering with mechanical clocks in his spare time. His dedication to innovation and customer-centricity ensures GE Appliances remains at the forefront of the home goods industry.
