Voorhees Named CEO of Rust-Oleum Group

Edward J. Voorhees, CEO of Rust-Oleum Group (Photo: Business Wire)

MEDINA, Ohio--()--RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) today announced that its Rust-Oleum Group will have new leadership. Edward J. Voorhees III, president of Rust-Oleum North America, will take over as CEO of Rust-Oleum Group effective today. He replaces Thomas E. Reed, who will assume the position of chairman as he approaches his September retirement.

Voorhees has served as president of Rust-Oleum North America for more than 12 years, driving long-term strategy and building business foundations. In this new role, he will look to provide the company strategic and tactical direction on a global scale. Voorhees has been a part of the Rust-Oleum team for more than 35 years, starting as a sales rep on the East Coast. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management from Adelphi University and completed the executive development program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.

“It is tremendously satisfying to hand the reins over to Ed,” said Reed. “As a person who has been by my side, as a partner, every step of the way, he is truly and uniquely qualified to continue to lead the sustained growth that Rust-Oleum has enjoyed over the last decade.”

Reed has served in many key positions since he joined Rust-Oleum in 1983. He became CEO and president in August 2006. He was responsible for the day-to-day operations of all Rust-Oleum companies, leading the charge on the company’s commitment to customer intimacy and innovation. Reed is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

“At RPM, we place great emphasis on succession planning for our group and operating company leaders, and anticipate a smooth and seamless transition over the coming weeks,” stated Frank C. Sullivan, chairman and CEO of RPM. “Tom has helped turn Rust-Oleum into one of our best-known consumer brands and Ed is well suited to continue to lead the business and drive its growth.”

About Rust-Oleum

For nearly a century, Rust-Oleum has been the global leader in manufacturing innovative coatings that empower do-it-yourselfers and professionals alike across categories including small project paints, cleaners, primers, automotive, industrial, high performance coatings and wood care. Its wide breadth of brands and products include such trusted names as Rust-Oleum, Stops Rust®, Painter’s Touch®, Krud Kutter®, Universal®, EpoxyShield®, RockSolid® Varathane®, Zinsser®, MultiSpec®, Testors®, Modern Masters®, and Watco®. Visit rustoleum.com for more information. Follow Rust-Oleum on LinkedIn, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About RPM

RPM International Inc. owns subsidiaries that are world leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services across three segments. RPM’s industrial products include roofing systems, sealants, corrosion control coatings, flooring coatings and other construction chemicals. Industrial companies include Stonhard, Tremco, illbruck, Carboline, Flowcrete, Euclid Chemical and RPM Belgium Vandex. RPM's consumer products are used by professionals and do-it-yourselfers for home maintenance and improvement and by hobbyists. Consumer brands include Rust-Oleum, DAP, Zinsser, Varathane and Testors. RPM’s specialty products include industrial cleaners, colorants, exterior finishes, specialty OEM coatings, edible coatings, restoration services equipment and specialty glazes for the pharmaceutical and food industries. Specialty segment companies include Day-Glo, Dryvit, RPM Wood Finishes, Mantrose-Haeuser, Legend Brands, Kop-Coat and TCI. Additional details can be found at www.rpminc.com and by following RPM on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RPMintl.

For more information, contact Barry M. Slifstein, vice president – investor relations, at 330-273-5090 or bslifstein@rpminc.com.

Contacts

RPM International Inc.
Barry M. Slifstein, 330-273-5090
Vice President – Investor relations
bslifstein@rpminc.com

Contacts

RPM International Inc.
Barry M. Slifstein, 330-273-5090
Vice President – Investor relations
bslifstein@rpminc.com