New York—Lavit LLC today announced that housewares industry veteran Jim McCusker has been appointed to Chief Operating Officer. With more than 35 years of experience successfully managing companies in the small electrics housewares industry, McCusker will be instrumental in advancing the lavit brand in both the commercial and home marketplaces.
“Jim brings rich and diverse ideas to a burgeoning housewares category which is fueled by his extensive knowledge, experience and passion for the industry,” said Gian Matteo Lo Faro, Founder of Lavit LLC. “In his new role with lavit, Jim will be responsible for production, sales, and research and development with the end goal of delivering the best possible single-serve cold beverage product to market.”
McCusker joined lavit in 2014 as President of the Retail Division where he has been leading the development of a single-serve cold beverage unit for the home.
Prior to joining the company, McCusker founded the De’Longhi business in the United States with the first arrival of oil-filled radiators. Under his leadership, De’Longhi America, Inc. was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary and the first subsidiary of De’Longhi SpA. From its initial product line of heaters, McCusker developed De'Longhi America into a prominent manufacturer of small electrics, including coffeemakers, espresso makers and toasters, among other products.
After retiring from De’Longhi, McCusker continued to follow his entrepreneurial passion with the creation of a new business, Viante Home Products Co. For nearly six years, he built the product line to include a variety of small electrics and home-comfort products before selling Viante in 2013.
“Jim is a dynamic leader with a proven record for creating a market for niche products and I am confident his years of knowledge and demonstrated success will continue to help lavit charter new territory and offer product excellence in the single-serve category,” adds Lo Faro.
About lavít
Founded in 2011, Lavit LLC is based in New York City. Revolutionizing the cold beverage industry, lavit has developed a single serve, cold beverage system featuring 100 percent recyclable beverage capsules. The lavit system is an innovative water dispenser that allows users to insert easy to recycle all-aluminum capsules to craft a variety of still or sparkling 12 ounce beverages that are delicious, naturally flavored, preservative free and 10 calories or less. For every lavit capsule purchased, the company commits funds to water charity partners across the globe.
