Appliance giant Whirlpool has named Gilles Morel president of the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (EMEA) and executive vice president.

He will report directly to chairman and CEO Marc Bitzer and his role is effective from April 1, 2019.

Morel brings more than 25 years’ experience in the consumer goods industry, having led sales, operations, marketing, manufacturing, research and development, plus procurement.

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He joins the company from Savencia Fromage & Dairy, where he holds the position of regional CEO (Northern and Central Europe).

In his current role he oversees 14 countries including Germany, Central Europe, Benelux and Nordics.

Prior to that, he served n numerous regional leadership roles at Mars, most recently as regional president, Europe and Eurasia.

Marc Bitzer commented on Morel’s appointment: “Gilles brings strong leadership skills, exceptional P&L ownership and a very good understanding of the European marketplace to our EMEA team.”

He continued: “We look forward to seeing our EMEA business return to profitability and long-term value creation under his leadership.”

Morel will assume leadership of the EMEA region, with approximately 22,000 employees, a sales presence in more than 30 countries and 14 manufacturing sites in seven countries.

Gilles Morel said: “There is an abundance of talent along with great products and brands within Whirlpool EMEA and I look forward to building on the great work already in place.

“This industry throughout the EMEA region remains strong and I am fully committed to ensuring that we continue to lead and remain at the forefront of meaningful innovation.”

John Cohring has recently been appointed commercial director at Whirlpool UK.