Whirlpool Corporation’s VP of Total Rewards set to retire after more than 30 years with the company

“I started in February of 1990 at Whirlpool Corporation, so I’m going on 32 years,” says Whirlpool Corporation VP of Total Rewards, Ed Mohr. “It’s been a great journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for any other one.”

He began his career in LaPorte, Indiana at Whirlpool Corporation’s aftermarket and service parts distribution center as a floor supervisor, then moved to shift supervisor, and finally operations manager. He remembers clearly how tens of thousands of paper tickets and customer orders were phased out and the whole process was digitally automated during his time there. “This was a remarkable time as we learned new technologies and worked together as a team to completely transform the distribution center,” says Mohr.

If you’re with a big company like Whirlpool and are open-minded to try new things, the possibilities are endless. Take advantage of as many new opportunities as you can. Sometimes while you’re in the middle of it, you may not realize how valuable each experience is, but when you look back, you’ll appreciate what you’ve learned.

“The improvements we made greatly helped to improve efficiency,” said Mohr. “Those were good years and I’m proud of our accomplishments. My next opportunity was at our Findlay, Ohio dishwasher plant.”

As Dish Rack Manager, he was overseeing hundreds of employees who were turning out 20,000 dish racks per day. “The opportunity to work in a manufacturing plant was a great experience for me. I didn’t go to school thinking about working in manufacturing, but Whirlpool gave me the opportunity to do something I had never done before.”

Mohr went on to later supervise assembly for the plant. “Whirlpool once again had the faith and trust in me to lead this team. It proved to me that if you create equity by doing good work for the company, the company will provide opportunities for you to learn and grow in your career.”

That’s exactly what happened next. Mohr was offered a new opportunity to work in Human Resources and Employee Relations. “I had never contemplated a career in Manufacturing or Human Resources when I was choosing my educational path, but I remained open to the possibilities.” Mohr has a degree in marketing as well as an MBA from Western Michigan University.

His next move was from the Findlay plant to the company’s washer plant in Clyde, Ohio to take on yet another new role as HR director. “One thing that was clear was that I would always be learning and I would make mistakes, but there were always great people there with me to learn from and help carry out our mission to produce great products.”

Mohr credits Whirlpool Corporation with helping him determine his career path “When I started college, I thought I wanted to be an engineer. I did not plan out my career when I chose Marketing, but once I started at Whirlpool, one thing led to another and I’m grateful for every opportunity that I was provided. Between my work at Clyde and Findlay, I received my introduction and education to manufacturing and HR.”

His next position was the HR leader for Whirlpool Corporation’s North American Supply Chain. “I chose to come back to Southwest Michigan to the North American Headquarters because it was a great role, my wife was from here, and we really liked living in Southwest Michigan while I was working in LaPorte.”

This role was a challenging one for Mohr, as he helped merge two large manufacturing footprints into one during the 2006 Maytag acquisition. “I was in that job for three years and then was asked to lead the benefits function. Shortly thereafter, I was appointed to the position of Vice President, Total Rewards and HR Operations.” Over the years, the role evolved and today Mohr focuses on compensation, benefits and global mobility for the company.

“I’ve always wanted to learn and grow, be challenged, and make a meaningful contribution regardless of my position or function,” says Mohr. “I have always worked with great people, from day one, and I’ve enjoyed every role.”

His advice to others who would like to have a successful career: “If you’re with a big company like Whirlpool and are open-minded to try new things, the possibilities are endless. Take advantage of as many new opportunities as you can. Sometimes while you’re in the middle of it, you may not realize how valuable each experience is, but when you look back, you’ll appreciate what you’ve learned. You can’t always control your exact role or your supervisor, but you can control your attitude, and you can control your thirst for knowledge. A positive outlook and perspective will serve you well while you learn and grow throughout your career.”

When asked what he is going to do in retirement, he says,“I don’t exactly know. We like it here in Southwest Michigan, so we’ll probably live here part time and perhaps the rest of the time somewhere warmer. We’re going to do some exploratory trips and visit friends and family, and just do all those things you don’t get a chance to do when immersed in your career. Now it’s time for me to remain open-minded about what retirement brings, and we’re excited about it!”