BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Oct. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeff M. Fettig, Chairman and CEO announced today the appointment of Michael A. Todman and Marc R. Bitzer to the respective positions of Vice Chairman, Whirlpool Corporation.  These expanded roles provide for enhanced leadership that will best enable the company to achieve its significant growth strategy.

As Vice Chairman, Todman will lead all integration activities related to the planned Hefei Sanyo acquisition in China which reported revenues of over $850 million USD for 2013 and employs 14,000 people.  He will continue his accountability for operations throughout Asia, Latin America, and Global Information Systems.

As Vice Chairman, Bitzer will be responsible for the North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) businesses, KitchenAid Small Domestic Appliances and lead all facets of the Indesit acquisition.  Whirlpool Corporation recently announced it had completed the purchase of a majority share in Indesit Company S.p.A. (BIT: IND), which had $3.7 billion in sales in 2013 with 16,000 employees. 

"Mike and Marc have the experiences in these new roles to help drive our aggressive growth strategy, integrate acquisitions, and drive product leadership and innovation in a recovering global economy," said Fettig. "This structure will bring leadership focus on our strategic initiatives for growth within all of our global markets."

Todman has been President, Whirlpool International since January 2010. Prior to his current assignment, he served as President, Whirlpool North America beginning in June 2007.  He became a member of the board of directors of Whirlpool Corporation in January 2006. He began his career with Whirlpool in 1993.

Bitzer has been President of Whirlpool North America, Whirlpool Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) since April 2013.  Prior to this assignment, he served as President of U.S. Operations and as President of Whirlpool Europe and joined Whirlpool in 1999.

These appointments are effective November 1, 2014.

About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2013, 69,000 employees, and 59 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names. We earn the trust of consumers in nearly every country by focusing on what matters most. Additional information about the company can be found at http://www.whirlpoolcorp.com

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SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation