• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
WD-40 Company logo
  • Contact
  • Locations
  • Global Brands
  • Apply Now Icon
  • Contact
  • Locations
  • Global Brands
  • Apply Now Icon
WD-40 Company logo
  • Our Tribe
    • Tribal Culture
    • Our Values
    • Learning and Teaching
    • Our Tribe’s Leaders
    • Doing The Right Thing
  • Our Company
    • Brands
    • History
    • Fascinating Facts
    • Corporate Responsibility
  • Careers
    • Life at WD-40 Company
    • Current Opportunities
    • Our Locations
    • Tribe Member Testimonials
    • Our Tribal Culture
  • Newsroom
    • Newsroom Home
    • Press Releases
    • Image Library
    • Media Contact
  • Investors
    • Investor Overview
    • Stock information
    • Financial Information
    • Corporate Governance
    • Investor Resources
  • Partners & Suppliers
    • Resources to Help
    • Become a Dealer
    • MSDS / SDS
    • CPSIA
    • Purchase Order Terms and Conditions

Home / Our Tribe / Our Tribe’s Leaders

Our Tribe's Leaders

A culture of ownership that begins at the top

Fireside Chat

Leadership in the WD-40
Company tribe

In a native tribe, the elder tribe members impart knowledge while gathered around a fire with the younger tribe members. Our tribe takes inspiration from that. The number one responsibility of our tribe’s leaders is to coach and prepare the next generation of tribe members to lead our organization. We believe that is ultimately the key to our continued growth and future success.

You don’t build a business. You build people and then the people build the business.

Zig Ziglar

Tribal Leaders

Garry Ridge

Chairman and CEO

Garry Ridge

Chairman and CEO

“We know our people make us great. We see our people, our tribe, as an invaluable asset because we know that our success is the result of the engagement and commitment of our people.”

View Bio

As chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge is responsible for developing and implementing high-level strategies, all operations, and the oversight of all relationships and partnerships for the company.

Garry is passionate about learning and empowering the organizational culture he has helped establish at WD-40 Company. His vision and leadership have positively impacted the WD-40 Company in both measurable and immeasurable ways.

Garry joined WD-40 Company in 1987 and has held various management positions in the company, including executive vice president and chief operating officer, and vice president of international. He has worked directly with WD-40 Company in over 50 countries. In 1997, he was appointed president and chief executive officer of WD-40 Company.  He has worked directly with WD-40 Company in over 70 countries.

Garry is an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program.  In 2009, he co-authored a book with Ken Blanchard outlining his effective leadership techniques, titled “Helping People Win at Work: A Business Philosophy called ‘Don’t Mark My Paper, Help Me Get an A.’ ”

A native of Australia, Garry holds a certificate in Modern Retailing and wholesale distribution and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Garry and woman posing at ceremony

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

A native Australian, Garry was a DJ for a radio station in Sydney, and rocked a sweet ’fro growing up. Garry has always been filled with restless energy and excitement about possibilities, and has a bit of a travel bug. He’s been to 62 countries, and is always looking to add to the list.

Steve Brass

President, Chief Operating Officer and Board Member

Steve Brass

President, Chief Operating Officer and Board Member

“Although each region has its unique characteristics, we are all guided by the same strategy, vision and values and we all strive to create positive lasting memories in everything we do.”

View Bio

As president and chief operating officer of WD-40 Company, Steve Brass is responsible for the day-to-day operations of all three of the company’s operating segments as well as the global coherency of its brand and digital strategies.

Steve has been with the company since 1991 and most recently held the role of division president, Americas, and chief brand officer. Prior to that role, he held various management positions with the company, including European commercial director, European sales director, director of continental Europe, country manager Germany and international area manager.

Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Steve worked as an export sales executive at Temco, BICC Electronics where he managed Swiss, German, and Austrian regions. He is a native of the United Kingdom.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Science degree in both French and German from Aston University and Master of Business Administration from the London Business School.

Steve golfing with friends

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

A native of Yorkshire, Steve relocated his entire family to San Diego from Britain in 2016. Steve speaks German and French fluently but continues to struggle with American English. Steve looks forward to “breaking 100” now that he lives in a place where he doesn’t have to spend six months of the year obsessing about whether it’s going to rain or shine.

Alice Fournier

Vice President, Global Digital Development and Chief Digital Officer

Alice Fournier

Vice President, Global Digital Development and Chief Digital Officer

“With digital, the pace of change has considerably accelerated. What keeps me energized every day is to leverage our learning culture to meet the needs of the ever-shifting landscape.”

View Bio

As vice president, global digital development, Alice Fournier is responsible for oversight of the company’s global digital transformation.

Alice joined WD-40 Company in 2020 as the company’s chief digital advisor and was appointed as to her role of vice president, global digital development in 2021. Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Alice worked as the senior vice president of digital commerce for Geometry Global from 2019 – 2020 and as a vice president of eCommerce and omnichannel for Kantar from 2017 to 2019. Alice is growth-minded strategic leader with deep expertise leading teams through the changes driven by digital transformation.

Alice received her Bachelor Degree in International Relations and Affairs from Université du Quebec a Montreal.

Alice headshot

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

A self-proclaimed weekend warrior, Alice is passionate about the DIY lifestyle and knows her way around a power tool or two. When she is not tackling home improvement projects, Alice can be found regularly practicing yoga and mindfulness. A native of French-Canada, Alice believes spending time and breaking bread with people from different cultures around the globe is a gift.

Geoff Holdsworth

Managing Director, Asia-Pacific

Geoff Holdsworth

Managing Director, Asia-Pacific

“Our growth comes not from just one area, and it’s not because of just one person. It’s a combination of the brand, the execution, the retail environment and being true to ourselves.”

View Bio

As the managing director of WD-40 Company’s Asia-Pacific segment, Geoff Holdsworth is responsible for overseeing all operations throughout the Pacific Rim, Asia and Australia. Geoff also serves as a board member of WD-40 Company (Australia) Pty. Ltd.

Geoff joined the company in 1996 and assumed the role of managing director in 1997. He was responsible for overseeing the opening of the Company’s subsidiary in China in 2006. He lived in Shanghai for more than three years before returning to Sydney, Australia in 2009.

Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Geoff spent 16 years with Columbia Pelikan in various management positions within the organization.

Geoff was educated in Sydney at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management.

Geoff in suit smiling outside

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

Geoff began his relationship with the gentleman’s game as a caddy at Roseville Golf Club in his native Australia. He later balanced that out by playing Representative Rugby for Sydney. Geoff is batting a thousand in job interviews since leaving school in 1987: he’s only had one, and it was for the WD-40 Company.

Wendy Kelley

Vice President, Stakeholder and Investor Engagement

Wendy Kelley

Vice President, Stakeholder and Investor Engagement

"I believe that for a company to succeed over the long-term it must do right by all its stakeholders…that's how you create real value for a company’s stockholders."

View Bio

As vice president, stakeholder and investor engagement, Wendy Kelley is responsible for leading the strategy and delivery of communication programs which shape the company’s corporate reputation with key stakeholders. She is also responsible for developing and executing the company’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy.

Wendy joined WD-40 Company in 2014 as the company’s director of investor relations and corporate communications. Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Wendy worked as the senior manager of investor relations for Leap Wireless from 2008 to 2014. She began her career in investor relations at Diversa Corporation.

Wendy holds a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Redlands.

Wendy headshot

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

A native of Southern California, Wendy believes that anything below 65 degrees Fahrenheit is very cold and warrants the wearing of boots and a scarf. Wendy had some interesting jobs when she was an undergraduate student including working for a famous magician and working as a “fake patient” for Loma Linda University School of Medicine. When she is not busy working, Wendy can be found spending time with her husband and two young sons.

Phenix Kiamilev

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Phenix Kiamilev

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

View Bio

As vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, Phenix has global responsibility for the Company’s legal affairs and corporate governance. She also serves as the company’s chief compliance officer.

Phenix joined WD-40 Company in early 2021 as vice president, legal and was appointed to her role of vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary later that year. Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Phenix worked as the vice president and general counsel of Kyriba Corp. from 2014 to 2021 and as senior corporate counsel of Active Network, LLC from 2012 to 2014. Prior to her time as in-house counsel, Phenix practiced law at McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP.

Phenix received her Juris Doctor degree from the Boston College Law School and her Bachelor of Political Science degree from the University of Southern California.

Rich holding WD-40 can

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

A self-proclaimed introvert, in her spare time you’ll often find Phenix curled up with a good book. But don’t let her fool you. This overachiever doesn’t slowdown very often. She breezed through grammar school, college and law school to become one of the youngest women to ever pass the California Bar Exam. When she is not working, Phenix enjoys spending time with her family and raising her children in a multicultural (Chinese, Russian and Indonesian) household.

Preston Ley

Vice President, Global eCommerce and Emerging Markets

Preston Ley

Vice President, Global eCommerce and Emerging Markets

"My purpose is to enable and liberate the greatness of others in order to build a brighter future for our tribe mates around the globe.  Harnessing the significant talent of our tribe is personally energizing and exciting for me, and an infinite game."

View Bio

As vice president, global eCommerce and emerging markets, Preston Ley is responsible for designing, developing, and coordinating the company’s global eCommerce strategy. In addition, Preston also has oversight responsibilities for the development of the company’s go-to-market strategies for all emerging markets.

Preston has been with the company since 1998 and most recently held the role of commercial director, Northern Europe. Prior to that role, he held various management positions with the company, including regional director for the United Kingdom and Benelux and country manager for the United Kingdom. Preston is committed to building highly effective, diverse teams and has a strong track record of developing and enabling individuals to achieve success.

Preston received his Master of Arts in Leadership from Henley Business School and his Bachelor of Arts in Business and Finance and studied General Management at Cranfield School of Management.

Preston headshot

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

Preston loves to travel and spends a good deal of time traveling with his wife and two young sons throughout Europe, Asia and North America where they have created many positive lasting family memories together. Preston is an avid sports fan and in his spare time can often be found cheering for his sons’ sports teams or on the golf course perfecting his swing.

Meghan Lieb, Ph.D.

Vice President, Global Research and Development

Meghan Lieb, Ph.D.

Vice President, Global Research and Development

"Our R&D tribe is made up of individuals who are much more than just great scientists. They are fantastic teammates, communicators, collaborators, and innovators. They make positive lasting memories a reality through their everyday work."

View Bio

As vice president, global research and development, Meghan Lieb provides strategic and scientific leadership over the company’s global research and development efforts, oversees global regulatory compliance, and provides technical support for all corporate strategies.

Meghan joined WD-40 Company in 2004 and was appointed as to her role of vice president, global research and development in 2021. Meghan has held various positions with the organization including, global director of research and development, director research and development, senior manager research and development, and senior scientist. Meghan began her journey with our tribe as R&D project coordinator.

Meghan currently serves on the board of directors for the Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA.)

Meghan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Drew University as well as a Master of Science and Ph.D in Chemistry from Princeton University.

Meghan headshot

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

A New Jersey native, Meghan is passionate about remaining active and often participates in sports with her husband and three children. In her free time, she can be found coaching the Official Waterski Show Team of New Jersey as well as youth soccer, cheering on her kids’ lacrosse and dance teams, or spotted outdoors on the weekends hitting the slopes or the lake, engaged in the activities of the season.

Jeff Lindeman

Vice President, Global Organizational Development

Jeff Lindeman

Vice President, Global Organizational Development

“When we get to do important things, alongside people we respect, and we are allowed to make a difference, it does not really feel like work.”

View Bio

As vice president, global organizational development, Jeff Lindeman is responsible for global oversight of the human resources function.

Jeff has been with WD-40 Company since 2017 and has held various management positions including, director of human resources, information technology, supply chain and finance within the Company’s EIMEA segment. Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Jeff worked as the senior director of talent and engagement for San Diego International Airport from 2006 to 2016 and as a director of human resources at Pier 1 from 2000 to 2006.

Jeff received his Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego and his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Walden University. He maintains a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential and serves on the SHRM Certification Commission, which oversees credentialing of human resources professionals around the world.

Jeff in suit smiling inside

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

Jeff loves to travel. Whether in Shanghai, Santiago, San Diego, Selçuk or Stuttgart, he has only ever met one kind of people: the humankind. His travels have helped him to understand that wherever one is in the world, we all want a better life for our kids than we, ourselves, have led. A lifelong learner, Jeff has completed post-graduate studies in leadership and regularly seeks opportunities to expand his knowledge.

Bill Noble

Managing Director, EMEA

Bill Noble

Managing Director, EMEA

“Our tribe is collaborative. We encourage each other, we hold each other accountable for being better, and we have a lot of fun.”

View Bio

As the managing director of WD-40 Company’s EMEA segment, Bill Noble is responsible for overseeing all operations throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Bill joined WD-40 Company in 1993 and has held various management positions, including international marketing manager and director of operations. In these roles, Bill was responsible for overseeing the opening of the company’s Malaysian office and managing the Company’s Asian regional office in Kuala Lumpur. In 1996, Bill moved to the United Kingdom to assume the role of managing director.

Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Bill was with Dow Corning for nearly ten years in various sales and marketing management roles throughout Asia.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and mathematics. His postgraduate studies include marketing at Monash University and management at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.

Bill wearing shades outside

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

A man of the world, Bill knows when to order roti canai and when to order nasi goreng. He also knows the difference between a burgundy and a bordeaux, and enjoys them both with good friends. In fact, Bill believes you learn more about people between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., rather than 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Among his many international skills, Bill has learned how to smile in many languages.

Patricia Olsem

Division President, Americas

Patricia Olsem

Division President, Americas

“A good leader should be collaborative and mentor positively. I consider it my number one responsibility at WD-40 Company to ensure that we are shaping our next generation of tribal leaders to understand this.”

View Bio

As the division president of WD-40 Company’s Americas segment, Patricia Olsem is responsible for overseeing all operations throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Patricia has been with WD-40 Company since 2005 and has held various management positions including, senior vice president and general manager of United States, senior vice president marketing and innovation of the Americas, and vice president Americas innovation development group.

Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Patricia worked in brand management at ConAgra Foods from2000 to 2005, International Home Foods from 1997 to 2000 and Diageo from 1995 to 1998. She currently serves on the board of advisors for the Cremo Company.

Patricia received her Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from King’s College and her Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego.

Patricia smiling in meeting

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

“Where there is a will, there is a way,” a motto Patricia’s Mom taught her and one she firmly believes in. Patricia is the youngest of six children with a large extended family and as a result, had many mentors in her life. She began her marketing career on Madison Avenue in NYC where her specialty was exotic travel. When she is not working, she can be found spending time with her husband and son, at sporting events (Go Yankees!) and taking time to lounge on various California beaches.

Rae Ann Partlo

Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer

Rae Ann Partlo

Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer

“My top priority as corporate controller and principal accounting officer, is to work closely with our finance and accounting tribe members from around the globe to ensure that the company remains compliant from an accounting and external reporting standpoint.”

View Bio

As vice president, corporate controller and principal accounting officer, Rae Ann Partlo is responsible for directing and overseeing the company’s global accounting, external financial reporting and compliance functions and serves as the primary technical lead for all such functions.

Rae Ann joined WD-40 Company in January 2010 as the director of accounting and financial reporting and has held various financial leadership positions within the organization, including corporate controller. She assumed the role of vice president, corporate controller and principal accounting officer in December 2019.

Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Rae Ann served in a variety of financial positions with semiconductor and communications companies in the San Diego area, including as vice president, corporate controller and chief accounting officer for Cymer, Inc.

Rae Ann holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from San Diego State University.

Rae headshot

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

Not only does Rae Ann have a way with words in SEC filings, but she also loves to write poems. In fact, Rae Ann has written poems for various company milestones and for several tribe members since joining the company. Tribe members really enjoy her catchy rhymes. Rae Ann claims that one day she might write an entire Form 10-Q in the form of a poem. Rae Ann also takes great joy in her family and is a proud mother and grandmother. When she is not busy working or writing poems, Rae Ann can be found spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren.

Jay Rembolt

Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Jay Rembolt

Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

“We continue to make investments in research and development, brand protection, regulatory and quality assurance, and of course, our number one asset: our tribe members.”

View Bio

As vice president, finance, treasurer and chief financial officer, Jay Rembolt is responsible for overseeing the company’s financial operations, including the management of accounting, treasury, financial planning and reporting, investor relations and internal audit.

Jay joined WD-40 in December 1997 as manager, financial services and has held various financial leadership positions within the organization, including controller and vice president finance/controller. He assumed the role of chief financial officer in 2008.

Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Jay served in a variety of positions, including consulting roles in the tax practice of the public accounting firm Price Waterhouse LLP, now known as PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, from 1991 to 1997.

Jay has a Master of Science in Accountancy from San Diego State University and a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Riverside.

Jay smiling with hands on hips

Things that don’t typically show up on a resume.

Everything is typically smooth sailing for Jay. One time, though, he was on his way back from Catalina in a storm, and a wave dumped the boat on its side, sweeping Jay overboard. Thankfully, Jay was foresighted enough to have a harness on that was tethered to the boat. Yo ho ho.

View Board Of Directors

Our Tribe's Leaders

Tribal Culture

Tribal Culture

A self-sustaining place where people enjoy a sense of belonging and purpose


Learn More
Our Values

Our Values

Our values are the heart and soul of WD-40 Company


Learn More
Learning and Teaching

Learning and Teaching

Developing and strengthening our tribe from within builds future leaders


Learn More
Doing The Right Thing

Doing The Right Thing

Our #1 value. There’s only one way to do things: the right way!


Learn More
Connect With Us
WD-40 Company Value
We value creating positive lasting memories in all of our relationships.
  • About WD-40 Company
  • Our Tribe
  • Our Company
  • News
  • Investors
  • Contact Us
  • Partners & Suppliers
  • Become a Dealer
  • Safety Data Sheets
  • Resources
  • Partners & Suppliers
  • Become a Dealer
  • Safety Data Sheets
  • Resources
  • Learning Resources
  • Global Brands
  • Sustainability
  • Legal
  • Privacy
  • Patents
  • Terms of Use
  • California Supply Chain Act
  • WD-40® Brand Trademark & Uses
  • Conflict Minerals Policy Statement
  • UK Modern Slavery Statement
© 2022 WD-40 Company. All rights reserved.
WD-40 logo
3-in-one Logo
GT85 Logo
Lava Logo
x14 Logo
2000 Flushes Logo
Carpet Fresh Logo
Spot Shot Logo
Solvol Logo
NoVac Logo
1001 Logo
By using our website, you agree that we can use cookies to perform analytics and remember your language preferences. Learn more about cookies. AcceptReject
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT