MINNEAPOLIS - The Valspar Corporation, manufacturer of coatings for finishing wood and other substrates, elected Gary Hendrickson, president and CEO, as its chairman of the board..

Hendrickson has served as president and as CEO since June 2011. Prior to becoming CEO, he was Valspar's president and COO for three years. He joined Valspar's packaging business in 1994 and has held a variety of senior leadership roles, including group vice president, Global Wood Coatings; president, Valspar Asia Pacific; and senior vice president for Valspar's Consumer business.

Hendrickson succeeds William Mansfield, who retired from Valspar's Board of Directors after serving as chairman since August 2007, as CEO from 2005 to 2011 and as president from 2005 to 2008.

"Gary's proven leadership, deep understanding of the coatings industry and his vision for Valspar's long-term growth make him uniquely qualified to lead our board," said Jeffrey Curler, chair of the board's nominating and governance committee and the company's lead director. "His appointment completes the transition plan we have had in place since Gary became CEO a year ago."