DCU National Centre for Family Business taps global leader of the kitchen and bath industry for 2020 Annual Conference
SVP and 4th Generation Kohler executive to deliver Dublin keynote in April
The DCU National Centre for Family Business has announced Laura Kohler, Senior Vice President – Human Resources, Stewardship and Sustainability at Kohler Co, as keynote speaker for the Centre’s 2020 national conference (The Helix, DCU, Thursday, April 2nd 2020).
A world leader in design and innovation of kitchen and bath products, Kohler Co. is a thriving 4th-generation family business with over 38,000 employees and 50 manufacturing plants across six continents.
Laura’s great grandfather, John Michael Kohler, is credited with innovating the bathtub in 1883, while her father and current Chairman, Herb Kohler, has received more than 200 design and utility patents for plumbing products alone.
With over 48 acquisitions completed in the last 40 years, the Kohler’s UK subsidiary is best known for manufacturing Mira Showers. Kohler Co. has also significantly diversified its portfolio, which now includes power generation, interiors and hospitality. The family owns Whistling Straits Golf Resort in Wisconsin, which will host the upcoming 2020 Ryder Cup, as well as the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland.
Announcing the details of the national conference, Director of the National Centre for Family Business, Dr Eric Clinton said;
"We are delighted to have Laura Kohler as our keynote speaker this year. The Kohler Co story is a fascinating one of generational ingenuity, perseverance and professionalism. Through her own career to date, Laura has played an instrumental role in continuing this – in essence, she is the epitome of successful succession... As SVP of Human Resources, Stewardship and Sustainability, she has spearheaded the company’s global social impact strategy which focuses on environmental sustainability, Innovation for Good, stewardship, associate volunteerism and a renowned Arts/Industry program.”
Announcing the details of the national conference, Dr Eric Clinton, Director of the DCU National Centre for Family Business, said “We are delighted to have Laura Kohler as our keynote speaker this year. The Kohler Co story is a fascinating one of generational ingenuity, perseverance and professionalism. Through her own career to date, Laura has played an instrumental role in continuing this – in essence, she is the epitome of successful succession. Starting as a part-time waitress and receptionist within the family business during her high-school summers, Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in fine arts, became an actress and founded her own theatre company before progressing through the ranks at Kohler. As SVP of Human Resources, Stewardship and Sustainability, she has spearheaded the company’s global social impact strategy which focuses on environmental sustainability, Innovation for Good, stewardship, associate volunteerism and a renowned Arts/Industry program. Laura’s insights on family business will be keenly anticipated at the conference.”
He added: “April’s conference will also feature research findings on the numbers, nature and financial contribution to the economy of family businesses in Ireland, as well as a study into selection processes and criteria deployed for succession-planning in family businesses. Our national conference provides an opportunity for people in – or simply interested in – family business, to share experiences, challenges and best practices in an open, collaborative environment.”
Sponsored by PwC, AIB and Beauchamps, and MC’d by entrepreneur and Dragons Den star, Gavin Duffy, the free-to-attend half-day event is the Centre’s largest annual gathering, attracting 450 participants from family businesses big and small, representative organisations, development agencies and anyone with an interest in family-run enterprises.
You can register tickets for this free event on Eventbrite
Further details / interview requests: Carl Gibney, Senior Client Director, FleishmanHillard / Email: carl.gibney@fleishmaneurope.com / Mobile: 0873623512
About DCU National Centre for Family Business (NCFB)
Established in 2013, the DCU National Centre for Family Business (NCFB) produces and shares insights that support sustainable family business practices for the next generation. DCU NCFB supports family businesses in Ireland with informed and innovative evidence based research. The family business community is at the heart of DCU NCFB with nationwide workshops and seminars taking place throughout Ireland and active participation in family business research.
About Kohler Co.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 38,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; luxury cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland. Kohler’s Whistling Straits golf course will host the 2020 Ryder Cup. The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and sanitation, for underserved communities around the world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. For more details, please visit kohlercompany.com.
Image Caption: Laura Kohler, SVP of Human Resources, Stewardship & Susatainability at Kohler Co.