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Igloo Products names James Roberts as president/CEO

Brings experience as Newell Rubbermaid president

-- Casual Living, 10/9/2009 1:27:00 PM

James J. Roberts, most recently group president of Newell Rubbermaid Corporation, has been named president and CEO of Katy, Texas-based Igloo Products Corporation, Igloo Chairman and interim CEO Gary Kiedaisch said.

In making the announcement, Kiedaisch said Roberts has extensive experience in the Igloo product category and is the right man to take the helm at this time in the company’s 60 plus year history. His appointment followed an extensive six-month executive search.

“The past two years have seen significant progress in new product development, new market penetration and overall sales,” said Kiedaisch, who will become executive chairman of Igloo Products Corporation and chairman of Igloo Holding Corporation. The company is at an important juncture in its growth, he said. “With Jim Roberts leading the management team in day-to-day operations, I can now concentrate on broadening our foundation by finding the right product extensions or acquisitions to take our company to the next level.

“Jim came up through the product management ranks and understands the importance of product, people and manufacturing efficiency in growing a business,” Kiedaisch said. “His success and in-depth experience in plastics design, manufacturing and marketing, as well as several other allied areas, gives him the operational knowledge and perspective to capitalize on the progress we’ve made. I have confidence that he’ll help galvanize the Igloo brand as the market leader it has historically been.”

Roberts comes to Igloo from a series of executive positions with Newell Rubbermaid Corporation, the most recent being executive group president for cleaning, organization, décor and office products. Prior to his tenure with Newell Rubbermaid, he served in executive positions at The Stanley Works and Black & Decker.

“I’m delighted to be joining the Igloo management team and look forward to their continued dedication to developing, manufacturing and marketing great Igloo products for consumers and trade partners,” Roberts said. “The company's strong brand and product line is ready for sustained growth into new areas, capitalizing on the momentum that will certainly follow this recession. I look forward to working with Gary and all the Igloo associates who have made such great strides revitalizing and repositioning the business."

The new Igloo President and CEO is a graduate of the University of Delaware with a BS degree in business administration, where he majored in marketing and minored in economics. For more information, visit www.igloocoolers.com.

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