Rust-Oleum North America President Edward J. Voorhees III will take over as CEO of Rust-Oleum Group,  RPM International Inc. said Thursday.
 
He replaces Thomas E. Reed, who will assume the position of chairman as he approaches his September retirement.
 
Voorhees 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,” Reed said. “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 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,” said 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.”