Longstanding Whirlpool head honcho Jeff Fettig is to stand down as CEO to be replaced by Marc Bitzer from the start of October.
And no, it’s not al about the tumble dryers here in the UK as for Whirlpool the UK is only a tiny part of their operations.
“On behalf of the Whirlpool Board of Directors, we are very pleased to appoint Marc as our next CEO, the 8th CEO in our 106-year history,” said Fettig. “Marc has a deep understanding of our business throughout the world and has personally led our operations and delivered strong results during his 18-year tenure at Whirlpool. As we prepare for the future, I am very confident that Marc is uniquely qualified to lead our company in continued success.”
Fettig (age 60) will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board. “My primary role,” he said, “is to support Whirlpool, Marc and our leadership team in this planned CEO transition. I am effectively stepping away from our day-to-day management after 36 years of service and the last 13 as CEO.
“As a company, we have achieved significant milestones during this time through the great work of Whirlpool people throughout the world. Going forward, I believe we have more opportunities than ever before in our 106-year history. I know Marc, and our Whirlpool leadership team, will continue to achieve great things for our company in the years ahead.”
In a statement Marc Bizer said, “I want to thank the Whirlpool Board of Directors and especially Jeff Fettig for their confidence in appointing me to this position,” Bitzer commented. “The foundation of success built by Jeff and so many within this company affords us an exciting future to exceed the needs and aspirations of our customers, expand shareholder value and create a unique and fast-paced workplace that people continually are proud to call Whirlpool Corporation.”
