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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

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

Steve Brass

President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member

Steve Brass

President, Chief Executive 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.”

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As president and chief executive officer of WD-40 Company, Steve is responsible for developing and implementing high-level strategies, all operations, and the oversight of all relationships and partnerships for the company.

Steve is passionate about the power of learning, building a global business, and leveraging culture as a competitive advantage. Steve has been with the company since 1991 and most recently held the role of president and chief operating officer. Prior to that role, he held various management positions with the company, including division president (Americas) and chief brand officer, European commercial director, European sales director, director of continental Europe, country manager Germany and international area manager.

Steve is a native of the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor’s degree in French and German, and an executive MBA from the London Business School. Steve holds a certificate of excellence for attending the Chief Executive Officer program at UC Berkeley. In 2018, he was certified by Marshall Goldsmith as a Stakeholder Centered Coach.

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.

Christophe Cloëz

Managing Director, EMEA

Christophe Cloëz

Managing Director, EMEA

“The world is beautiful because it is diverse. At WD-40 Company, our end-users, our colleagues, and our investors are diverse and global. The magic of our WD-40® Brand is that it is meaningful to all, whoever they are, wherever they live, and whatever they do.”

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

Christophe has been with the company since 1996 and most recently held the role of commercial director, Southern Europe. Prior to that role, he held various management positions with the company, including regional director for Italy, France and Africa. Christophe has started our French office, opened our Italian branch and created the Global Brand Team.

Christophe is committed to building simultaneously highly effective teams and our brands.

Christophe studied business in both France and the United States. He received a Master of Business Administration and Finance from Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Pau and his Master of Business Administration from Clemson University.

Alice headshot

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

Christophe is originally from Le Mans, France and was born right across the street from the famous Circuit of the 24 hours of Le Mans. Christophe has a passion for traveling and enjoys experiencing local cultures. Of course, being fluent in French, English, Italian and understanding German and Spanish helps. However, for Christophe, any life experience is only meaningful if it is shared with family, friends, or colleagues.

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.”

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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.

Sara Hyzer

Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Sara Hyzer

Vice President, Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

“Every day I wake up excited to work at a company that allows me space to learn, to be challenged and inspired from those around me. In turn, I strive to motivate and support others to show up as their best self every day.”

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

Sara joined WD-40 Company in August 2021 as vice president, global finance strategy and assumed her role of chief financial officer in November 2022.

Prior to joining WD-40 Company, Sara spent over 20 years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with the last six years serving as an audit partner for both publicly traded and privately held companies in various industries, including consumer products and life sciences.

Sara has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Colorado State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Jay smiling with hands on hips

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

The World Series usually comes in October, but in Sara’s house it starts in May and runs into June, that’s the timing of the Women’s College World Series as Sara’s passion before finance and family was softball. Since becoming a mom, her weekends are now filled with trips to the San Diego Zoo and Legoland and most Saturday mornings you can find her and the family at cars and coffee.

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."

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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.”

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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

Managing Director, Global MD and Emerging Markets and Channel Strategy

Preston Ley

Managing Director, Global MD and Emerging Markets and Channel Strategy

"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."

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As managing director, global MD and emerging markets and channel strategy, Preston is responsible for driving accelerated growth in the global MD business, innovating business models across global MDs, and putting together and executing emerging markets strategy. Preston also leads the global eCommerce business.

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."

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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

Chief People, Culture and Capability Officer

Jeff Lindeman

Chief People, Culture and Capability Officer

“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.”

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As chief people, culture and capability officer, Jeff is responsible for global oversight of the human resource function, and the coordination of strategy for global supply chain and quality functions.

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

Group Managing Director

Bill Noble

Group Managing Director

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

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As the group managing director, Bill Noble is responsible for overseeing all operations throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and global MD and emerging markets.

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.”

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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.”

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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.

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


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


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Learning and Teaching

Learning and Teaching

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