Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Names President
September 4,
2015 by in Executive Changes, Industry 
Greg Kadens has been named president of Chicago-based Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, a manufacturer of high-end outdoor kitchen equipment and appliances, effective immediately.
Kadens brings more than 20 years of entrepreneurial, marketing and leadership experience to the company.
“Greg is a dynamic leader who understands our brand and brings an impressive operating track record of driving organic growth through customer engagement across a number of industries,” said Pete Georgiadis, chairman of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. “He has a deep understanding of what homeowners and those in the design professions who serve them want from a high-end appliance manufacturer. I look forward to working with Greg as we continue to build on Kalamazoo’s strengths of delivering the best outdoor cooking experience and setting the bar for outdoor kitchen appliance innovation, performance and quality.”
Karens comes to Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet from Zion, Ill.-based Kiefer Swim Products, where he served as CEO. Previously, he was the general manager for Block and Co., and was the vice president and general manager of the furniture, fixture, equipment and interior design division of American Hotel Register.
“I am thrilled to join the Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet team,” Kadens said. “The products this company designs, manufactures and sells are without question the absolute best outdoor kitchen equipment available. With interest and participation in the high-end outdoor cooking and entertaining market continuing to grow rapidly, it’s a great time to join the leader in the industry.”
Karens has a bachelor’s of science degree from Ithaca College and an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management.