Whirlpool Corporation announced on October 19, 2026, that the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Karin Risi as a director, effective immediately. Ms. Risi has been named a member of the Board’s Human Resources Committee and Finance Committee.
According to the company’s press release, Ms. Risi brings more than 30 years of experience in asset and wealth management. During her 28-year tenure at Vanguard, she served as managing director and chief strategy and product officer. In this role, she oversaw enterprise strategy, business development, and global product development for a $12 trillion investment platform serving over 50 million investors.
Ms. Risi previously served as managing director of Vanguard Personal Investor, where she led business strategy, financial performance, digital transformation, and client experience. She also led the effort to build and launch Vanguard’s Personal Advisor wealth management business. Prior to Vanguard, she held leadership roles in investment analysis, corporate strategy, and institutional asset management.
Ms. Risi holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA from Villanova University. She currently serves as an independent director of SEI Investments Company and HarbourVest Partners.
Regarding the appointment, Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, stated that Ms. Risi’s leadership in asset management, strategic growth, digital innovation, and global operations makes her an invaluable addition to the board.
The company reported that Ms. Risi’s compensation will be consistent with that of other non-employee directors. This includes an annual cash retainer of $150,000 and annual equity compensation in the amount of $160,000, to be paid in Whirlpool common stock on the date of the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders.
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company. In 2025, the company reported approximately $16 billion in annual net sales, with close to 90% of sales occurring in the Americas. The company employs approximately 41,000 people and operates 35 manufacturing and technology research centers.
