MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL), announced today that Howard C. Heckes has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Global Architectural, reporting to Gary E. Hendrickson, President and Chief Operating Officer. Heckes' position was previously held by Hendrickson, who was appointed to his current role in February. In his role, Heckes will have leadership responsibility for Valspar's Architectural business, a full line of premium interior and exterior paints, stains and coatings for do-it-yourself and professional markets, and becomes an officer of the company.

Heckes, 43, joins Valspar from Newell Rubbermaid, Inc., where he served in a number of executive business leadership roles, most recently as President of that company's global Markers, Highlighters, Art & Office Organization business, and brings extensive brand management experience to his role at Valspar. Prior to Newell Rubbermaid, Heckes held positions with the Square D Company and the Bemrose Corporation. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Iowa State University and a master's degree in industrial and management engineering from the University of Iowa.

The Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL) is a global leader in the paint and coatings industry. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing customers the latest innovations, the finest quality and the best customer service in the coatings industry.

For more information, visit http://www.valsparglobal.com.

SOURCE Valspar