Maytag Corporation today announced that Thomas A. Briatico, President of Maytag's Dixie-Narco vending business unit, is promoted to the position of President, Hoover floor care business unit. Briatico, 55, succeeds Keith G. Minton, who will retire effective May 1, 2003.

Douglas C. Huffer, 46, Vice President Sales & Marketing - Vending at Dixie-Narco, is promoted to the position of President for that business unit, replacing Briatico.

Ralph F. Hake
Maytag chairman and CEO
"Tom Briatico is a talented and proven executive who brings a wealth of manufacturing and financial experience from his 29-year career in the appliance and vending industries. During his tenure at Dixie-Narco, Tom brought the organization into an era of profitability even when vending industry shipments have trended downward. We are pleased that Tom will lead the Hoover organization."

Briatico's career began in 1974 with the Admiral Company, having held various financial positions. In 1985, he was promoted to Vice President, Finance for the Admiral Company and then in 1988 he held that same position for Magic Chef. In 1993, Briatico was promoted to the role of Vice President, Manufacturing for Maytag's Cleveland Cooking Products and then Vice President & General Manager for that division. He assumed his most recent position at Dixie-Narco in 2001.

Briatico holds a master's degree in finance from DePaul University and a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Valdosta State College.

Doug Huffer joined Dixie-Narco in 1977 and held various positions in sales and marketing. He was promoted to Vice President Group Marketing & Sales in 1992 and then Vice President Sales & Marketing in 1998. Huffer holds a bachelor's degree in marketing and economics from Shepherd College. Hake also noted, "Doug has been an integral part of the Dixie-Narco business for many years. Through his leadership in sales and marketing, Dixie-Narco has diversified its revenue base and grown and prospered. I have great confidence in his ability to step into this senior leadership role and sustain the profitable growth we have experienced in the vending business."

Keith Minton joined Hoover in 1969, serving in numerous engineering and operations roles throughout his career including Vice President, Manufacturing; Senior Vice President, Operations; and Executive Vice President for Hoover. "Keith Minton has had a long and distinguished career with Hoover," said Hake. "He has served the company well and made many contributions throughout his tenure. We wish him our very best."

Maytag Corporation is a leading producer of home and commercial appliances. Its products are sold to customers throughout North America and in international markets. The corporation's principal brands include Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Hoover and Dixie-Narco.

Hoover, a business unit of the Maytag Corporation, offers a full line of products, including uprights, canisters, extractors, stick cleaners, hard-floor cleaners, hand-held cleaners, central vacuum systems and commercial products. Hoover is based in North Canton, Ohio.

Maytag's Dixie-Narco business unit manufactures and sells soft-drink can and bottle vending machines, specialty venders, refurbished vending machines and currency systems. Dixie-Narco is located in Williston, South Carolina.

For more information contact:

Karen Lynn, Vice President, Corporate Communications

(641) 787-8185