the world for
Whirlpool, the No. 1 appliance maker in the United States. Based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, Todman assumed his current titles in October 2001 after serving as executive vice president of Whirlpool’s North American region, which posted record sales and operating profit for the last quarter he was there. Todman joined Whirlpool in 1993 as director of finance for the United Kingdom and, in succession, became general manager of Northern Europe and vice president of consumer services at Whirlpool Europe. Whirlpool has companies in 13 countries and markets products under 18 brand names in more than 170 countries. Whirlpool generated $12.2 billion in revenues in 2003, up 11% from 2002.
Kevin Walker, President & COO, American Electric Power, Ohio American Electric Power Co. Inc.,, American Electric Power Co., based in Columbus, Ohio, generates and distributes power to 5 million customers in 11 states. In 2003, the company generated $15.4 billion in revenues. Walker is responsible for serving 1.44 million customers in Ohio and Northern West Virginia. He has authority for distribution operations and a wide range of customer and regulatory relationships. Walker came to his job after 12 years with Consolidated Edison in various leadership positions, including vice president of Maintenance and Construction Services of New York, serving the five boroughs of New York City and Westchester. While serving at ConEd, he was instrumental in directing recovery of energy service following the collapse of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers. Walker, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy, earned a B.A. in civil engineering in 1985. He served more than six years in the Army.
Ed Welburn, Vice President of Design, North America, General Motors, Age: 54, As director of GM’s Corporate Brand Center, Welburn led his team in developing new vehicles for GM’s North American brands. He is responsible for the designs of all GM brands, including the retooling of the Saturn automotive line and the revitalization of the muscle car standard, Corvette. In October 2003, Welburn became design chief, only the sixth in GM’s 95-year history. Welburn is the first African American to run the design studio of any major automaker. With an army of 600 designers at 11 studios around the world, Welburn has been traveling the globe meeting his designers in their territory. He is responsible for day-to-day management of GM Design, is a member of the GM North American Strategy Board, and oversees GM’s Global Design Council. GM is the third largest publicly traded company in the United States.
Keith Williamson, President, Capital Services Division, Pitney Bowes Inc., Age: 52, Pitney Bowes is best known for its postage meters, but the $4.6 billion company, based in Stamford, Connecticut, also offers a wide range of financial, outsourcing, and professional services. Since 1999, Williamson has been overseeing Pitney Bowes’ capital services division, a $168 million division that finances distribution and office facilities, aircraft, rail and trucking equipment. Williamson joined Pitney Bowes Financial Services as director of taxes in 1988. He was promoted to assistant general counsel in 1993