ATLANTA (AP) -- Consumer products maker Newell Rubbermaid Inc. said Tuesday that President and CEO Mark Ketchum will retire later this year after about five years of leading the company that makes Sharpie pens and Rubbermaid containers.
Ketchum, 61, will stay on the Atlanta company's board until spring 2012. Newell Rubbermaid said it has hired an executive recruiting firm and it will consider candidates from inside and outside the company as it looks for a replacement for Ketchum.
The company's brands also include Goody hair products and accessories, Calphalon cookware items, Lenox power tools. Newell Rubbermaid said it has cut its product portfolio under Ketchum so it can focus on more faster-growing, more profitable products.
During Ketchum's tenure, the company sold its European home décor business, the Little Tikes children's toys business, reorganized its operations in Europe and streamlined its business segments. It acquired labeling business Dymo and stroller, car seat maker Aprica, and internet postage company PSI Systems.
Ketchum joined Newell Rubbermaid's board in December 2004. He became interim president and CEO in October 2005 and was hired on a permanent basis in February 2006. He worked for Procter & Gamble Co. for more than 30 years, and was president of the company's global baby and family care business from 1999 to 2004.