Philips Names Ex-Maytag Exec President/CEO

ATLANTA — Larry Blanford, former president of Maytag's Appliances Group, has been named president and CEO of the Philips Consumer Electronics North America Mainstream A/V Products Group, Philips announced.

Blanford takes over the slot from Guy Demuynck, the president/CEO of Philips Consumer Electronics Worldwide Mainstream Products, who had manned the North American position on an interim basis following the resignation of Robert Minkhorst at the start of this year.

Blanford comes to Philips after a four-year stint at Maytag, where he ascended through three posts, starting with VP strategic marketing for Maytag North American Appliances, advancing to president of Maytag Worldwide Solutions and then president of Maytag Appliances.

Previously he held managerial positions with Procter & Gamble and Johns Manville.

"Larry's impressive background in marketing and management in the manufacturing environment is an extremely strong combination that makes him ideal for Philips Consumer Electronics, North America," said Demuynck. "Philips' momentum in the United States is strong and growing as we move into the digital age with cutting-edge technology and innovative new products. Larry is charged with leading this transition to digital and keeping our energy building."

The new North American president said he will borrow from his experiences at Maytag — a company noted for its strong brand name recognition in the United States.

"At the end of the day it is the mix of great products, brand and advertising that has to come together, and we will be working at all three of those things very hard."

Blanford said his mission would be to build Philips as a digital technology leader as the market makes its transition from analog technologies.