Michael Polk

ATLANTA — Ignacio Perez Lizaur, who lead Walmart's expansion into Latin America as director general Sam's Club Mexico in 1991, has joined Newell Rubbermaid's board of directors. Perez Lizaur's 26-year career with Walmart included a series of assignments leading Walmart operations in Argentina, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. His career with Walmart culminated in the position of EVP operations for the Sam’s Club division, with responsibility across 600 stores in the U.S. Upon retiring in 2010, he was appointed to Walmart’s hall of fame for his contributions to the retailer’s international development. “Ignacio adds

ATLANTA – Michael Polk has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Newell Rubbermaid. The company said late Thursday that Polk is set to take over the CEO post effective July 18. A member of Newell Rubbermaid's board of directors since 2009, Polk succeeds Mark Ketchum, who is retiring. Polk most recently was president of global foods, home and personal care at Unilever, a portfolio representing $64 billion in annual sales. He is credited with transforming Unilever’s American business and honing its portfolio strategy during his eight years with the consumer packaged goods giant.