Whirlpool Corporation Announces Strategic Sourcing Leadership Changes

Whirlpool Corporation has announced the retirement of Mark Brown, senior vice president, Global Strategic Sourcing, effective November 1st, 2008. John Miller, most recently with Nissan North America, will assume the GSS leadership position, joining the company on September 9th, 2008. The two will work together to ensure a seamless transition.

‘During his 35 year tenure with Whirlpool, Mark Brown has made significant contributions that have helped shape our company and the many people to whom he has provided leadership,’ said Jeff Fettig, Whirlpool chairman and CEO. ‘Our strategy will position Whirlpool to be among the world's best in sourcing in large part due to the vision that Mark has established. This important work will benefit our company for years to come. On behalf of everyone at Whirlpool Corporation, I wish Mark and his family all the best in the next phase of their lives.’

John Miller joins Whirlpool Corporation from Nissan North America, where he served most recently as vice president, purchasing, North American Operations. He will report to David Szczupak, executive vice president, Global Product Organisation. ‘John has an outstanding background directing global sourcing organisations and multi-billion dollar buys within the automotive industry and technology sector,’ said Szczupak. ‘He has held leadership positions in some of the world's most highly regarded procurement operations, and his experience optimising worldwide supply chains and developing cost knowledge will be extremely beneficial to our company as we work to leverage sourcing on a global scale.’

Brown joined Whirlpool Corporation in 1973 as an accountant at the company's Marion, Ohio Division. Since that time, he has held a variety of leadership positions, including plant manager of the Columbia, South Carolina Division; controller, Whirlpool Asia; and corporate vice president and controller for Whirlpool Corporation. In 1999, he was named chief financial officer. He has been a member of the company's Executive Committee since that time. Brown has held his current position as senior vice president of Global Strategic Sourcing since 2002.

Prior to his work with Nissan, Miller was the vice president and director of Motorola Personal Communications Sector's worldwide supply chain. Miller also worked for Honda of America Manufacturing from 1983 to 2000, where he held various leadership positions including assistant vice president, Purchasing Cost Planning and assistant vice president, Motorcycle Plant Operations. He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Web: http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com