Freeport, Ill. (PRNewswire) -- Newell Rubbermaid Inc. has appointed Joseph Galli as President and Chief Executive Officer succeeding William P. Sovey. Galli will also serve as a member of the company's Board of Directors. Sovey will reassume his position as Chairman of the Board. Daniel C. Ferguson will remain a Director of the Company.

As President and CEO of Newell Rubbermaid, Galli will oversee worldwide operations for the projected $7 billion consumer products industry leader. In addition, he will be responsible for increasing organic growth through new product development and brand management initiatives. He will also lead global expansion efforts in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Newell Rubbermaid Inc. is a multi-national manufacturer and marketer of high-volume, long life cycle, branded, consumer products sold to volume purchasers for everyday use in the home or office, with 1999 sales of $6.4 billion.