Art Learmonth's skills will be invaluable as we manage through our restructuring initiatives
Ralph F. Hake, Maytag chairman and CEO.

Maytag announced the promotion of Arthur B. Learmonth, President of Maytag Services business unit, to the position of Acting President for Maytag Appliances business unit. Learmonth, 59, will lead Maytag's largest business unit, which manufactures and markets major appliances and floor care products sold in North America.

The company also announced that David R. McConnaughey, 49, Vice President, Maytag All-Brand Service in Maytag Services, is promoted to the position of Acting President, Maytag Services, replacing Learmonth.

Both Learmonth and McConnaughey will report directly to Ralph F. Hake, Maytag chairman and CEO.

Hake said, "Art Learmonth is a talented and proven executive who brings a wealth of operations experience from his 35-year career working in manufacturing and supply chain positions. His skills will be invaluable as we manage through our restructuring initiatives. During his tenure with Maytag Services, Art and his team have grown the business, experiencing double-digit revenue increases during the last six quarters. We are pleased that Art will lead the Appliances organization."

Art Learmonth joined Maytag Appliances in 1997 as Vice President, Manufacturing and Engineering. He was promoted to Senior Vice President, Supply Chain in 2003 and then assumed his most recent position at Maytag Services in 2004. Learmonth has been instrumental in instituting the LeanSigma(R) business management tool at Maytag to develop a lean and highly efficient operation. Maytag has realized hundreds of millions of dollars in cost savings since the organization formally implemented its LeanSigma(R) certification program in 2001.

Learmonth began his career in 1970 with the General Motors Harrison Radiator Division and then G & O Manufacturing Company before moving to Nippondenso Manufacturing USA, Inc. in 1986 as Vice President Manufacturing/Operations. He also worked as Vice President, Operations for York International. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of New Hampshire.

Dave McConnaughey joined Maytag in 1998 as Vice President & General Manager - Laundry in the Maytag Appliances business unit before moving to Vice President & General Manager - Amana in 2003. He was appointed to his current position in Maytag Services in 2004. McConnaughey has held a variety of management positions for Johnson & Johnson Company, Nippondenso USA and Borg Warner Automotive. Dave holds a bachelor's degree in management from Spring Arbor College and an M.B.A. in business from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Hake also noted, "Dave has been an integral part of Maytag for several years. Through his contributions in Maytag Services, the business has diversified its revenue base and grown. I have great confidence in his ability to step into this senior leadership role and sustain the profitable growth we have experienced in the Services business."