<p>Keith McLoughlin, current head of research and development, manufacturing and purchasing, was named as Straberg's successor, starting in January. McLoughlin - a US national - joined Electrolux in 2003, and has also been head of Electrolux's business in North America. Straberg said in a comment that he wanted to do "something new" after nine years as chief executive and 27 years in the company. Electrolux in 2009 had some 51,000 employees and reported sales of 109 billion kronor ($16 billion).</p>
<p>Keith McLoughlin, current head of research and development, manufacturing and purchasing, was named as Straberg's successor, starting in January. McLoughlin - a US national - joined Electrolux in 2003, and has also been head of Electrolux's business in North America. Straberg said in a comment that he wanted to do "something new" after nine years as chief executive and 27 years in the company. Electrolux in 2009 had some 51,000 employees and reported sales of 109 billion kronor ($16 billion).</p>