• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Contact
  • Locations
  • Global Brands
  • Apply Now Icon
  • 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

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

“As chairman and chief executive officer of WD-40 Company, Garry Ridge is responsible for leadership at the board level and developing and implementing high-level strategies for the organization.”

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 the learning and empowering organizational culture he has helped establish at the WD-40Company, and 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.

A native of Australia, Garry served in advisory roles for the Australian Marketing Institute and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Currently, he serves as a member of the board of governors of The San Diego Foundation, and the University of San Diego’s School of Business Administration.

Garry is an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego where he teaches leadership development, talent management, and succession planning 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.’ ”

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

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 and Chief Operating Officer

Steve Brass

President and Chief Operating Officer

“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 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.

Steve is a native of the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor’s degree in both French and German and a master’s degree from the London Business School.

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.

Rich Clampitt

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Rich Clampitt

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

“The business of law isn’t all that difficult, but it does require daily effort to take command, with attention to detail and relentless pursuit of the truth. People don’t always like lawyers for all the questions we ask, but I’ll never stop asking questions.”

View Bio

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

Prior to joining WD-40 Company in 2014, Rich practiced law in San Diego for 32 years. He provided corporate and business counsel to the company for all of those years. In 1981, he joined Harmsen Carpenter Sidell & Olson, APC, which combined with Gordon & Rees LLP in 2000. At Gordon & Rees, Rich served as co-chair of the firm’s business practice group.

Currently, Rich serves as chair of the board of directors of Educational Enrichment Systems, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing state-funded and affordable quality early childhood education and development programs in San Diego County.

Rich received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and his Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Colby College.

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

Rich has always enjoyed an active life. When he was 17, he and two high school buddies rode their bikes across the U.S. He’s skiied at 75 ski areas in 11 states and six countries. He’s climbed Kilimanjaro, kayaked in Torres del Paine, rafted the Futaleufú River in Chile, and has scuba dived off Kalimantan, Borneo in Indonesia. Clearly, he enjoys doing things most people can’t do, in places most people can’t pronounce.

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 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.

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.

Jeff Lindeman

Vice President, Global Organization Development

Jeff Lindeman

Vice President, Global Organization 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 organization development, Mr. 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.

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 is currently completing his Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis in leadership.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 doing the right thing.
  • About WD-40 Company
  • Our Tribe
  • Our Company
  • News
  • Investors
  • Contact Us
  • 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
© 2021 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.