Energizer appoints new general counsel amid retirement of Gayle Stratmann

ST. LOUIS — Energizer announced that its VP and general counsel will retire.

The company said Gayle Stratmann, who was named VP and general counsel in March 2003, will leave her post in the first half of 2012.

"Gayle has done an outstanding job as our general counsel," Energizer CEO Ward Klein said. "Her wisdom, deep understanding of the business and strategic counsel has served management and the shareholders well. We wish Gayle the very best in her retirement."

Succeeding Stratmann is Mark LaVigne, who was elected by Energizer's board of directors this week to serve as general counsel upon Stratmann's retirement. LaVigne joined the company last year and has served as secretary and assistant general counsel.