RPM Inc. has announced that Michael E. Steele will join RPM as vice president and chief financial officer.

Medina, Ohio, -- RPM Inc. has announced that Michael E. Steele, currently vice president of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and group controller of its $2 billion Office Products Group, will join RPM as vice president and chief financial officer, effective January 29th. He succeeds David P. Reif, who left the post to head RPM's $400 million StonCor Group as president.

Steele, 41, has served in various financial management positions within the Newell organization since 1990, most recently as v.p. and group controller of the combined Rubbermaid/Office Products operations. Prior positions include v.p. and group controller of Housewares, v.p. and controller for Intercraft/Burnes and v.p. for Newell Window/Kirsch.

RPM Inc. is a world leader in specialty coatings, serving both industrial and consumer markets. RPM's industrial products include roofing systems, sealants, corrosion control coatings, floor coatings and specialty chemicals. Its consumer do-it-yourself products are used for home maintenance and automotive and boat repair.