By Adam Coleman

MELBOURNE: Whirlpool Australia has announced the appointment of Michael Van Raay as senior category manager for laundry and responsible for a portfolio of top and front loading washing machines and dryers across both the Whirlpool and Maytag brands.

“This is a great time to be joining Whirlpool as the company moves into a new phase assimilating the Maytag business,” said Van Raay.

“For decades customers have trusted these iconic household appliance brands and now the companies have come together, we are looking forward to pushing the boundaries further with some exciting innovations in design and technological development in this category.”

Prior to joining Whirlpool, Van Raay spent 18 months with whitegoods distributor, Sampford & Staff where he was marketing manager for the Gaggenau, Neff, Jenn-Air, Cannon, Hansgrohe, laGermania, Revox and Mirror Image luxury brands.

“Laundry is a very important category for us and we are delighted that Michael has taken the role to drive the brands forward in this market,” said Whirlpool Australia general manager – marketing, Grant Logie.

“I know Michael will be an integral part of the company’s future success.”

Prior to his role with Sampford & Staff, Van Raay was national marketing manager for Pioneer Electronics, where he looked after the company’s car audio range and worked on the development and launch of Pioneer’s successful "Complete Plasma Experience” installation and after sales service program.