Garry Ridge //CEO, WD-40 Company

Garry Ridge is president and chief executive officer of the WD-40 Company headquartered in San Diego. WD-40 Company is the maker of the ever-popular WD-40, as well as 3-IN-ONE Oil, Solvol and Lava heavy duty hand cleaners and X-14, Carpet Fresh, Spot Shot, 1001 and 2000 Flushes household cleaning products.

Garry has been with WD-40 since 1987 in various management positions, including executive vice president and chief operating officer and vice president of international. He has worked directly with WD-40 in 50 countries.

A native of Australia, Garry has served as national vice president of the Australian Marketing Institute and the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association. Garry received his diploma in retail/wholesale distribution from the Sydney Technical College in Sydney, Australia. Garry received his Masters of Science Degree in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego in June 2001.

In March 2003 Garry was awarded Director of the Year for Enhancement of Economic Value by the Corporate Directors forum. In April 2004 Garry received the Arthur E Hughes Career Achievement Award from the University of San Diego.

• Garry’s blog
• Helping People Win at Work, Ken Blanchard and Garry Ridge