Whirlpool announced the appointment of Jeff Noel as the company's corporate vice president for communications and public affairs. His appointment is effective Nov. 1.

Noel will oversee the company's global external and internal communications, government relations, and corporate affairs, including Whirlpool's community and other strategic partnerships. Noel, 46 years old, who is stepping down in October as president of Cornerstone Alliance, the Benton Harbor-based economic development group, will report directly to Jeff Fettig, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Whirlpool.

"Jeff brings a rich background of experiences and leadership to this new position," said Fettig. "He has an extensive work history in both the public and private sectors. Jeff also has led economic development in our headquarters community, and has worked with governmental agencies at the county, state and federal levels."

Noel's background will help Whirlpool to more effectively leverage communications, government relations and public affairs across multiple constituent groups. In this capacity, he will serve as the company's key representative in an array of community and strategic alliances, such as the Benton Harbor-based Alliance for World-Class Communities, the Whirlpool Foundation and national associations.

Before joining the Cornerstone Alliance in 1993, Noel served as the executive vice president for the Greater Louisville Economic Development Partnership, commissioner for the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development's Department of Financial Incentives, director of government affairs for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation and executive assistant to U.S. Senator Wendell Ford of Kentucky.

Noel holds a master's degree in business administration from Marymount University and a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky.