Kenmore appliances may sound like your grandmother’s brand. And that would make sense – the name first appeared on sewing machines in 1913. Kenmore sold everyday appliances, such as fridges, washing machines, and vacuums, exclusively at Sears department stores. But the brand went through a tipping point when Sears declared bankruptcy.
On the latest episode of Innovation Heroes, a podcast by SHI, host Ed McNamara talks to CEO Sri Solur about how he’s using software development principles and agile business methods to modernize the 100-year-old company.
The brand has been revitalized, doubling licensing revenue and scaling to thousands of new locations and online, all in just eighteen months.
When Sri Solur stepped into the role of CEO, he brought a tech-centric perspective honed in software development and product innovation to a legacy hardware company. By applying agile business methodologies and modern software principles, Kenmore moved past its exclusive reliance on traditional Sears department stores, expanding its digital footprint and retail distribution channels globally.
Under Solur's leadership, Kenmore transformed its product design philosophy and go-to-market strategy to focus on smart appliances, customer-centric connectivity, and modernized brand messaging, effectively proving that a century-old heritage brand can pivot quickly and thrive in today's fast-paced tech landscape.
Listen to the full conversation on Innovation Heroes to hear how Sri Solur and his team successfully doubled licensing revenue and built a agile future for one of America's most recognizable home appliance brands.