NEW NORDYNE CEO APPOINTED BY NORTEK

PROVIDENCE, RI, January 10, 2002 - Nortek Inc.. (NYSE:NTK) announced today the appointment of David J. LaGrand as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nordyne Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nortek. Mr. LaGrand previously had been Nordyne's Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. LaGrand replaces Robert E.G. Ractliffe as Chief Executive, who assumes the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Nortek.

In announcing the appointment, Richard L. Bready, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nortek said, "Dave LaGrand has been a key member of the Nordyne team for the past 13 years and it is a pleasure to promote him to a higher level of responsibility as we restructure and consolidate top management positions in support of our long-term strategic growth plan."

Mr. LaGrand joined Nordyne in 1988 as Director, Marketing Planning and in 1990 became responsible for Marketing, Sales and Physical Distribution for its residential, light commercial and manufactured housing business units. In 1997, he was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. LaGrand, prior to joining Nordyne, held positions at York International Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Federal Mogul Corporation.

Mr. LaGrand currently serves on the Executive Committee and is a Vice President of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI).

He was graduated from Hope College, Michigan, in 1974 with a BA in Business Administration, and from Michigan State University with an MBA in Marketing in 1976.

Mr. LaGrand is married with three children.

Nordyne manufactures and distributes a complete line of high-quality heating and cooling products for the residential and light commercial markets.

Nortek is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, competitively priced building, remodeling and indoor environmental control products for the residential and commercial markets. The Company offers a broad array of products for improving the environments where people live and work. Its products include range hoods and other spot ventilation products; heating and air conditioning systems; vinyl products, including windows and doors, siding, decking, fencing and accessories; indoor air quality systems; and specialty electronic products.