DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (NWL) Chief Financial Officer Pat Robinson will retire early at the end of this year, ending a tenure that President and Chief Executive Mark Ketchum said was marked by leading the company's transformation in the last several years.

The consumer-goods maker has slashed production and jobs in the recession to offset a decline in sales, as shoppers opt for lower-cost and private-label brands. Beyond its namesake line, Rubbermaid owns Sharpie and Paper Mate pens and Calphalon cookware, among other products.

The 54-year-old Robinson has served as Rubbermaid's CFO for six years, having previously held the title at a mobile applications provider before joining Rubbermaid in May 2001 as controller. He also worked for Black & Decker Corp. (BDK) for 18 years.

Rubbermaid posted an increase in second-quarter profit on lower restructuring costs and higher margins, though sales were still down. Last month, Rubbermaid said it reduced its debt by $250 million as it closed a new $200 million accounts-receivable facility to replace a $450 million credit line.

Rubbermaid shares fell 13 cents to $14.90 recently.

-By Joan E. Solsman, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2291; joan.solsman@dowjones.com