Caulk Appointed President and CEO - North America; Biller Promoted to President - Global OperationsATLANTA, Feb 22, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Rayovac Corporation
(NYSE: ROV) announced today that Robert L. (Bob) Caulk, has been appointed
President and Chief Executive Officer - North America. In his new role, Caulk
will be responsible for all Rayovac businesses within the region. He will
also serve as a member of the company's Executive Committee, providing
leadership in the development and execution of Rayovac's strategic growth
plans.
Caulk, most recently CEO and President of United Industries, joined
Rayovac concurrent with the company's recent acquisition of United. Caulk's
career also includes stints with S.C. Johnson, Johnson Worldwide Associates
and Clopay Building Products, Inc. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the
University of Delaware and an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business
Administration.
In commenting on the appointment, Rayovac Chairman and CEO Dave Jones said,
"I am delighted that Bob has agreed to take on this critical role. Bob's
addition to the Rayovac management team significantly strengthens the depth
and breadth of the talented and dedicated Rayovac management team. His
knowledge and experience with United Industries and the consumer products
industry will help to ensure the continuing success of our North American
growth strategies and business practices."
Rayovac also announced the promotion of Kenneth V. Biller to President -
Global Operations. He will continue to serve as a member of the company's
Executive Committee. Biller's promotion recognizes the increasing importance
and complexity of his role as head of Rayovac's worldwide manufacturing,
supply chain and technology operations with the addition of the United
Industries acquisition. Biller has enjoyed a successful career with Rayovac
for over thirty years, most recently serving as Executive Vice President,
Global Operations. He holds a bachelor of science degree in chemical
engineering and a Masters degree in business administration, both from the
University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"Rayovac's strategy has always included a critical focus on operations,"
said Jones. "Ken's contributions to the development of Rayovac's global
operations organization has been integral to our past success, and we expect
his experience and leadership will be similarly invaluable in supporting our
company's future growth."
About Rayovac:
Rayovac is a global consumer products company and a leading supplier of
batteries, lawn and garden care products, specialty pet supplies and shaving
and grooming products. Through a diverse and growing portfolio of world-class
brands, Rayovac holds leading market positions in a number of major product
categories. The company's products are sold by the world's top 20 retailers
and are available in over one million stores in 120 countries around the world.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Rayovac generates approximately $2.5
billion in annual revenues and has approximately 9,300 employees worldwide.
The company's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ROV.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this news release, with the exception of
historical matters, may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are
subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause
results to differ materially from those anticipated as of the date of this
release. Actual results may differ materially from these statements as a
result of (1) our ability to achieve anticipated synergies and efficiencies as
a result of this transaction, (2) changes in external competitive market
factors, such as introduction of new product features or technological
developments, development of new competitors or competitive brands or
competitive promotional activity or spending, (3) changes in consumer demand
for the various types of products Rayovac and United offer, (4) changes in the
general economic conditions where Rayovac and United do business, such as
stock market prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation and
raw material costs, (5) our ability to successfully implement manufacturing,
distribution and other cost efficiencies and (6) various other factors,
including those discussed herein and those set forth in Rayovac's and United's
securities filings, including their most recently filed Forms 10Q and Annual
Reports on Form 10-K.
SOURCE Rayovac Corporation
Nancy O'Donnell, VP Investor Relations of Rayovac Corporation, +1-770-829-6208
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