Household products group taps former International Franchise Association head to replace retiring CEO

Caldeira

Steve Caldeira has been named CEO of the $6 million-revenue Consumer Specialty Products Association, effective mid-January 2017. He succeeds Chris Cathcart, who is retiring after leading the Washington, D.C.-based group for 17 years.

Caldeira previously spent five years as head of the $23 million-revenue International Franchise Association. He stepped down in 2015. The association credited him with growing its revenue by 70 percent and increasing the standing of its political action committee.

As head of CSPA, Caldeira will be the chief spokesman for companies that manufacture a range of household products, such as aerosols, cleaners and automotive fluids. In a statement, association board Chairman William Auriemma said the incoming CEO brings a broad range of association management, political and fundraising skills to the new position.

"Steve is highly respected on both sides of the political aisle on Capitol Hill and within the Washington, D.C., business community, making him the ideal choice to lead the implementation of the organization's new strategic plan," Auriemma said.

CSPA also credited its outgoing CEO with expanding its collaborative advocacy and educational outreach efforts. Under Cathcart's leadership, the association was able to advance bipartisan federal chemicals management reform legislation that was signed into law this year after eight years of negotiations, according to the group.

Recruitment firm Spencer Stuart assisted in the search.