Zippo CEO Greg Booth to Speak at Pitt-Bradford Executive Speaker Series

Gregory W. Booth, president and chief executive officer of Zippo Manufacturing Co., will speak on Sept. 19 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford as part of its Executive Speaker Series.

Booth will speak from 11 a.m. until noon in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The event is free and open to the public.

Booth will speak on topics that will cover the success of Zippo, new additions to the company’s product line, international challenges, well-developed partnerships and critical positioning for future growth.

Founded in 1932, Zippo is the manufacturer of the world-famous windproof lighter with a lifetime guarantee. Today Zippo has grown to sell a diverse line of products, including pocket knives, key holders, money clips, writing instruments, tape measurers and a new Multi-Purpose Lighter.

Zippo is found in more than 120 countries and has produced more than 400 million windproof lighters; Zippo is synonymous with American-made quality and craftsmanship.

Booth graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Before joining Zippo, he spent nearly 30 years with Kendall Motor Oil in a variety of sales, marketing and management positions.

In June 1999, Booth accepted the position of president and chief operating officer of W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery, an owned subsidiary of Zippo.

In February 2001, he was promoted to his current position of president and chief operating office of Zippo. Booth is also chairman of the boards of both Case and Zippo Fashion Italia.

Booth and his wife, Cherie, live in Bradford and have four children and nine grandchildren.

The Executive Speaker Series is sponsored by the Pitt-Bradford entrepreneurship and businesses management programs.