Lifetime Brands elevates two execs

Bob Varakian and and Stephen Spitz were appointed to new roles at leading kitchenware and tabletop manufacturer Lifetime Brands.

The company said Bob Varakian will serve as group president over its cutlery/cutting boards and cookware/bakeware divisions effective January 6. He will report to Lifetime chairman and CEO Jeffrey Siegel. The company also named Stephen Spitz to the role of president for the cutlery/cutting boards division and he will report to Varakian.

Varakian previously served as CEO and president of Nambe and has more than 25 years of experience in the housewares industry. Prior to joining Nambe, Varakian served as CEO and president of Catalina Lighting, president and founder of Lectrix and president of EKCO Housewares.



Spitz joined Lifetime Brands in 2005 and has held various positions, including the most recent position of SVP and chief marketing officer for the cookware, cutlery and bakeware divisions. Spitz began his career at Macy’s and has worked with brands including Calphalon, Krups, and Delonghi.

“(Bob Varakian) is well respected in the industry, has excellent credentials, and possesses a robust background in management, marketing, product development, sales, manufacturing and sourcing,” said Lifetime chairman and CEO Siegel. “Bob’s proven track record and strong leadership skills will be valuable assets to the cutlery/cutting boards and cookware/bakeware divisions. We look forward to working with Bob to solidify Lifetime’s position as an industry leader and to expand our businesses globally.”

Regarding Spitz, Sigel said the executive, “has made significant contributions to the company, expanding the reach of our brands across multiple retail channels, and driving innovation in the cutlery, cutting board, and bakeware categories. His wealth of knowledge and industry experience is invaluable.”