Electrolux is strengthening its Global Operations function with an expanded setup and new leadership, in a move to drive operational excellence and productivity over the coming decade. Jan Brockmann will head the function in the newly created position of Chief Operations Officer, with responsibilities including R&D, manufacturing and purchasing among other areas.
Global Operations was established in 2009 to leverage global scale and operational excellence across R&D, purchasing and manufacturing, primarily within major appliances. It has delivered impressive results, including improvements in product and warranty costs, working capital, quality and safety. These efficiency improvements have complemented the Group’s manufacturing footprint program, which was launched in 2004 and is now in its final stage.
As a result, Electrolux has been able to invest more in R&D as well as create a modularization approach to global manufacturing.
“Over the coming decade, Global Operations continues to play a critical role in delivering productivity and best-in-class products,” said Keith McLoughlin, CEO and President. “In this next phase, Jan and the team will focus on operational integration and consumer-driven innovation to continue to drive productivity, cost efficiency and product quality.”
Global Operations will drive the next wave of productivity improvements by focusing on efficiency and quality through integrated product modularization, manufacturing flexibility and automation. In a digital age, this will positively affect the Group’s operations and customer delivery, ultimately bringing more differentiated products to consumers around the world.
The expanded Global Operations organization includes manufacturing, modularization, quality and the global organizations for the main product categories in major appliances. On a Group level, it includes R&D, purchasing and design. Jan Brockmann previously headed some of these areas as Chief Technology Officer.
