WD-40 announces new CEO
Steve Brass, who has served as WD-40’s president and chief operating officer (COO) since 2019, will become the company’s new CEO, effective 1 September.
WD-40’s current CEO, Garry Ridge, will retire from the company on 31 August as part of a planned leadership transition.
Brass previously held the role of division president, Americas, and chief brand officer before he was named president and COO in 2019. He joined the company in 1991 and has held various management positions with WD-40, including European commercial officer of its office in Milton Keynes, UK.
Brass has also been appointed to serve on the company’s board of directors as of 15 March.
“I have worked with Steve for three decades and I am incredibly pleased that he will be the next CEO of WD-40 company,” said Ridge.
“Steve is a talented, collaborative leader with deep operational and global experience. His leadership, guidance, and support of our tribe throughout the pandemic have been nothing short of phenomenal.
“As we continue to grow our business worldwide and leverage our incredible culture, now is the right time for this transition. I feel extremely fortunate to hand the reins over to this clear and capable leader who will guide the company in its next phase of growth.”
Brass commented: “I am humbled and excited to be asked to serve as the next CEO of WD-40 company. It’s a great honour to be able to serve this tribe and all our stakeholders.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Garry for his leadership in planning for this transition. He has set me up for success by ensuring I inherit a solid strategy for the company and an excellent team of senior leaders, many of whom I have worked with for decades who will continue to guide the company in its next phase of growth.”
WD-40’s current CEO, Garry Ridge, will retire from the company on 31 August as part of a planned leadership transition.
Brass previously held the role of division president, Americas, and chief brand officer before he was named president and COO in 2019. He joined the company in 1991 and has held various management positions with WD-40, including European commercial officer of its office in Milton Keynes, UK.
Brass has also been appointed to serve on the company’s board of directors as of 15 March.
“I have worked with Steve for three decades and I am incredibly pleased that he will be the next CEO of WD-40 company,” said Ridge.
“Steve is a talented, collaborative leader with deep operational and global experience. His leadership, guidance, and support of our tribe throughout the pandemic have been nothing short of phenomenal.
“As we continue to grow our business worldwide and leverage our incredible culture, now is the right time for this transition. I feel extremely fortunate to hand the reins over to this clear and capable leader who will guide the company in its next phase of growth.”
Brass commented: “I am humbled and excited to be asked to serve as the next CEO of WD-40 company. It’s a great honour to be able to serve this tribe and all our stakeholders.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Garry for his leadership in planning for this transition. He has set me up for success by ensuring I inherit a solid strategy for the company and an excellent team of senior leaders, many of whom I have worked with for decades who will continue to guide the company in its next phase of growth.”
