RPM names Russell Gordon CFO; realigns finance department

RPM International Inc. has elected Russell Gordon, currently vice president, corporate planning, as vice president and chief financial officer effective April 10, 2012. Gordon is replacing Robert Matejka, RPM’s current senior vice president and chief financial officer, who will be retiring at the company’s fiscal year end.

Gordon will oversee all of RPM’s finance functions, including corporate accounting, financial reporting, global tax administration and investor relations. He joined the company as director of corporate development in 1995 and was elected vice president, corporate planning in 2007. Prior to joining RPM, Gordon held various financial positions in corporate treasury and control, as well as in the specialty chemicals division at Goodrich Corporation. He previously was an industrial engineer at VLSI Technology, Inc. Gordon holds a bachelor’s degree in operations research and industrial engineering from Cornell University and a master of management degree from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

He will succeed Matejka, who joined RPM in 2000 as vice president and controller and was elected chief financial officer in 2001. Matejka then served in a consulting capacity with RPM from 2007 until 2010, when he resumed his post as chief financial officer. Prior to joining RPM, Matejka held a variety of finance and accounting positions with Rockwell International Corporation, Reliance Electric Co. and Ernst & Young LLP.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University.

“Bob Matejka, who will continue his involvement in the transition through the balance of our 2012 fiscal year, has played an extraordinary role in RPM’s success over the past 12 years,” said Frank Sullivan, RPM chairman and chief executive said on the retirement of Matejka. “Since first becoming CFO in fiscal 2002, the company’s revenues have grown by approximately 80 percent driving net income growth of 90 percent. This accomplishment has been achieved despite two recessions and a huge expansion in regulatory, compliance and reporting requirements in conjunction with Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank legislation. I thank Bob for the tremendous dedication and leadership that he provided during these exciting, challenging and tumultuous times, and I look forward to working with the new finance team as it helps drive RPM’s future growth and success.”

Additionally, RPM announced the following changes within its finance department, all of which will take effect April 10, 2012.

Keith Smiley, currently vice president, treasurer and assistant secretary, will assume duties of vice president, finance and controller.

Matthew Ratajczak, currently vice president, global taxes, will assume additional treasury responsibilities as vice president, global taxes and treasurer.

Barry Slifstein, currently vice president and controller, will assume duties of vice president, investor relations and planning.