Electrolux names chief designer

STOCKHOLM —Stefano Marzano has been appointed chief design dfficer, a new role at Electrolux.

“Stefano Marzano is one of the most regarded and prominent design leaders in business today, and I am both pleased and proud to have him on my team. This recruitment confirms that Electrolux has come very far in the transition from a manufacturing-driven company to a modern consumer insight-driven company. Marzano’s experience and well-documented creativity will further enhance this development,” says Keith McLoughlin, president and CEO of Electrolux.

Marzano has had a long career at Royal Philips Electronics, for the past 20 years as chief design officer. Until 1998 he was a professor at the Domus Academy in Milan. In 1999 to 2001 he was a visiting professor at the polytechnic institute in Milan, Politecnico di Milano. Marzano is also the author and editor of several books on design and a frequent speaker at international design, business and innovation conferences. He is a member of the European Design Leadership Board as well as advisory councils in design schools around the world. He has received honorary doctorates in design from the Sapienza University of Rome and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. In 2005, Businessweek named him one of four global “Best Leaders: Innovators.” Marzano holds a Doctorate in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano.

Stefano Marzano will report to the CEO and be a member of Group Management. Henrik Otto, SVP global design, will remain in his current role and report to Marzano.

The appointment takes effect immediately.