George Duke, Chairman and Owner of Zippo Manufacturing Company, announced today changes that will take place next year in the senior leadership of the company.
Greg Booth, Zippo’s President and CEO since 2001, has shared with Duke and the company’s board of directors his decision to retire from his current position sometime during the first half of 2016.
In anticipation of Booth’s retirement, Duke has selected Mark Paup to follow as the future President and CEO of Zippo and its subsidiary, W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company. Paup is currently Vice President of Sales and Marketing and a member of the Zippo board of directors.
“I think it is important to share with the company and community our future plans,” Duke confirmed. “Change is one of the many constants in business, and we are fully prepared for an effective and smooth transition of corporate leadership.”
Duke commented, “Mark brings an unmatched wealth of experience to his future position. He is a bright, savvy business professional who is well suited to guide our company into the future.”
In his comments to the board, Booth explained, “My decision to retire from Zippo/Case was one that I have been considering for some time and was not any easy one to make. My love and passion for this company remains as strong as it was the day I walked in the door, 15 years ago. I graduated from college in 1971 and have enjoyed a thrilling and productive working career that will total 45 years next year. But after much discussion with my wife Cherie and my family, I’m ready to enjoy the next chapter of my life which will include continued involvement with Zippo as a board member; continued volunteer work with a number of organizations here in Bradford, including The Ashley Booth Griffin Care for Children Center; and much more time with our three sons and our 12 beautiful grandchildren.”
Responding to Booth’s retirement, Duke stated, “Greg has been the ideal leader for Zippo and Case. His guidance, insight and dedication have made Zippo a leading global brand. Clearly, he has been the single most important factor in the company’s growth and financial success for the past 15 years. He will remain active as a close personal friend to me, a guiding member of the Zippo family, and a leader within the Bradford community.”
The company plans to provide additional information later in the year.