WD-40 Company CEO Garry Ridge Retires

WD-40 Company CEO Garry Ridge will retire from his post on Aug. 31, the company announced today. Ridge will be succeeded by the San Diego-based company’s current president and chief operating officer Steve Brass effective Sept. 1.

 

Brass was also tapped to serve as a member of WD-40’s board of directors that began on March 15. 

 

Ridge will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors until his term expires on WD-40’s annual meeting of stockholders, to be held on Dec. 13.

 

“I'm humbled and excited to be asked to serve as the next chief executive officer of WD-40 Company,” said Brass of his appointment. “It's a great honor 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.” 

 

The leadership changes are part of WD-40’s planned leadership transition. 

 

Brass has been with the company for 30 years, having served in various leadership positions spanning sales, marketing, operations and planning for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He eventually moved up to president of The Americas before becoming president and COO of the company. In these roles, Brass ensured the daily operations ran smoothly including the global coherency of its brand and digital strategies. 

 

While Ridge continues his run with the board of directors, he will be granted the title of Chairman Emeritus and continue in his role as WD-40’s strategic advisor in a consulting capacity until June 30, 2023. 

 

The board will nominate Gregory A. Sandfort, the company's lead independent director, to serve as board chair, in his place. 

 

“During his 35-year career with the company, Garry was the chief architect of the WD-40 Company culture and pioneered the global expansion of the WD-40 brand of products that are now available in over 176 countries and territories around the world,” said Sandfort. “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Garry for tirelessly championing the Company, its brands and its people over the last three and a half decades. Garry's strategic vision transformed the Company into an iconic brand recognized by millions of consumers. We owe him a great deal of gratitude for his commitment to the company and its stakeholders and we appreciate his incredible contributions.”