Whirlpool MD heads for Shanghai

Raj Jain, managing director, Whirlpool of India, is headed to the company's Asia-Pacific headquarter in Shanghai in his new role as the region's marketing director.

The Asia-Pacific region includes both the fast-growing markets of India and China. These two countries are the fastest growing markets for white goods in the world. Jain will report to the Mark Hoo, chairman, Whirlpool, Asia-Pacific.

"Whirlpool of India's current chairman Garrick D'Silva will be the MD till a replacement is found," said Jain. He will take up his new assignment in the next two weeks. A replacement for D'Silva is likely to be announced in a month's time.

Jain is the latest amongst a string of Indian executives picked up by mutlinationals for international assignments. In the past, Reebok had appointed Reebok India managing director Muktesh Pant as the footwear giant's global head of marketing. Vibha Paul Rishi, the marketing head of PepsiCo India, is now responsible for the entire flavours (non-cola) business of Pepsi in markets other than the US.

Jain joined Whirlpool seven years back as the executive director (marketing), and was appointed as the MD in 2001.

The company's turnover in 2003 was Rs 1,556 crore (Rs 15.56 billion) and it currently has a 22.6 per cent marketshare in the refrigerator segment. During his stint at the top, Jain is credited with expanding the companies product portfolio.

Jain was instrumental in introducing airconditioners, microwave ovens and cooking range. "Market has been extremely competive in the last four years and Jain has done well to hold on to Whirlpool's leadership position in refrigerators," said a senior Whirlpool executive.