Renowned designer J Mays is joining Whirlpool Corporation as Vice President and Chief Design Officer. An automotive design leader known all over the world, Mays brings a proven and high-profile talent to the company, to take the design legacy to new heights for its global brands. His role is effective October 15, 2018.
“J Mays joining Whirlpool Corporation represents the merging of an iconic home appliance leader and a respected and influential designer,” said Roberto Campos, head of Whirlpool Corporation’s Global Product Organization.
Mays has worked on numerous landmark design projects over the years, notably driving concept and design work at Audi, Volkswagen, BMW and Ford Motor Company.
“Throughout my career, I’ve learned the importance of finding an emotional connection with the customer” said Mays. “My interests extend far beyond automobile design, and that’s why this opportunity caught my eye. I look forward to leading and collaborating with the already strong Whirlpool Global Consumer Design team. The team has a wealth of talent, is vibrant and passionate, and a driving force behind creating customer interest, desire, and satisfaction.”
Mays’ responsibilities will include translating consumer insights, needs, and wants along with influential trends into next generation product design concepts. Working with all regions and key stakeholders, he will own and lead design strategy and execution across all product platforms and categories, including advanced design and user experience design.
“Whirlpool Corporation is committed to an approach, philosophy, and vision of being a global leader in design,” said Marc Bitzer, CEO of Whirlpool Corporation. “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring J’s leadership to our accomplished teams to help them set the design direction of our product portfolio around the world.”
Prior to joining Whirlpool, Mays was Group Vice President of Global Design and Chief Creative Officer at Ford Motor Company, and recently, Mays has served in various consulting and advisory roles including the motion picture industry. Mays is also a visiting professor at the Royal College of Art in London.
Born in Pauls Valley, Okla., Mays studied automotive design at the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Calif.