RPM International Inc. recently announced two executive appointments. Mark T. Rankin was named vice president-global systems, effective July 22. He reports to Lonny R. DiRusso, RPM’s vice president and chief information officer.

Rankin joined RPM’s IT intern program over 18 years ago and has held various IT positions of increasing responsibility, including his most recent role as senior director-global systems. He has been a key senior IT leader, overseeing many global systems activities during the past several years. In his new role, Rankin manages system implementations, deploys advanced data analytics, develops global software strategies, and continues to oversee digital transformation activities.

“Throughout his career, Mark has been instrumental in establishing and leading RPM’s information technology, digital marketing and global systems initiatives,” said Frank C. Sullivan, RPM chairman and CEO. “At RPM, we believe leadership development is a driving force behind our success. We’re confident that Mark’s new leadership position will continue to propel RPM’s growth and maximize long-term value for our key stakeholders.”

Michael J. Laroche, chief financial officer (CFO) of RPM’s Specialty Products Group (SPG) operating segment, has been appointed vice president, controller, and chief accounting officer for RPM, effective November 1. He will succeed Keith Smiley, current RPM vice president of finance and controller, who previously announced he will retire from his role in October.

Laroche joined SPG in 2016 as controller and was promoted to vice president and controller before rising to the position of CFO. Before joining the company, he was a senior manager at PwC. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. Laroche is also a certified public accountant.

“Since joining the Specialty Products Group, Mike has exhibited strong leadership skills, sound judgement and an ability to see the bigger picture—all of which make him a natural fit for this role,” said Sullivan. “I have been particularly impressed with the tremendous strides he made over the past few years in improving SPG’s reporting and analysis capabilities while also navigating the challenges of a remote work environment during the Covid pandemic. I am very happy to welcome him to our corporate leadership team.”

Smiley was elected vice president of finance and controller in April 2012, serving as the company's principal accounting officer and managing its capital markets activities. He joined RPM as an internal auditor in 1992 and subsequently became corporate controller in 1993 and treasurer in 1997. Smiley was elected vice president-treasurer and assistant secretary in 1999.

“Keith has been a trusted member of the RPM family for nearly 30 years,” Sullivan said. “During Keith’s time at RPM, revenues grew from $550 million to $6.1 billion. Keith has been an integral part of the team responsible for that success. On behalf of the entire RPM leadership team, I wish him all the best as he enters a well-earned retirement.”

Learn more about RPM at www.rpminc.com.