Whirlpool Corporation has been named to the 2007 list of Top Companies for Leaders, ranking 12th for North America and 15th globally. Sponsored by global human resources consulting firm Hewitt Associates, in partnership with The RBL Group and FORTUNE magazine, the Top Companies for Leaders were selected and ranked by an esteemed panel of judges based on criteria including leadership practices, company reputation, leadership culture, values and business performance.
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When comparing the Top Companies for Leaders with more than 550 other companies around the world, Hewitt reported that the companies named to the list make leadership a critical part of the company's organizational fabric. Specifically, the study found that within these companies, leadership practices are an inherent part of the culture, and that developing future leaders is simply a way of operating that must be intertwined with running the business.
"At Whirlpool Corporation our focus is ensuring that we have the right talent pipeline and development of leaders in place in order to successfully grow our global business," said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman of the board and chief executive officer. "In today's competitive environment, it is our leadership's accountability to ensure we attract, retain and develop the very best talent if we're to meet our long term business goals to create value for our shareholders."
"Hewitt would like to congratulate Whirlpool Corporation as being named one of the Top Companies for Leaders," said Bob Gandossy, principal and global practice leader of Hewitt's Consulting business. "Through Hewitt's research, it is evident that top companies such as Whirlpool Corporation have cultures that cultivate and nurture their talent, and a reputation for doing it well. In an increasingly complex and global marketplace, these characteristics differentiate successful businesses from unsuccessful ones."
About the Global Top Companies for Leaders Survey
The Global Top Companies for Leaders Study is based on approximately 550 global organizations with an average employee size of 27,000. Almost 70 percent of the participating companies had revenues of $500 million or more.
Hewitt, The RBL Group and FORTUNE utilized a three-step screening process to identify the finalist companies. This included assessing survey responses, conducting in-depth interviews and analyzing financial performance in relation to industry. This information was then provided to a panel of expert judges in each region to select and rank a 2007 Top Companies for Leaders list in Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America. A separate judging panel, composed of one representative from each regional panel, considered all regional Top Companies to select and rank a Global Top Companies for Leaders list.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $18 billion, more than 73,000 employees, and more than 70 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: angela_m_hersil@whirlpool.com
SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation
CONTACT: Monica Teague of Whirlpool Corporation, +1-269-923-7405,
Web site: http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com/