April 16, 2016 - Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mark Paup has assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Zippo Manufacturing Company and its subsidiary, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company. Paup takes over from current CEO Greg Booth, who retires after 16 years at the helm. In his 22 years at Zippo, Paup’s role in strategic planning, product diversification and in restructuring the sales and marketing departments is recognized by the Zippo Board of Directors as instrumental in boosting sales.
As CEO, Paup continues to enhance the company’s international expansion and to further establish Zippo as a lifestyle brand. Paup began his Zippo career in 1994 when he established the firm’s licensing department. He has also held the positions of National Sales Manager, European Sales Manager, and Global Marketing Director. He was the Vice President of Zippo Sales and Marketing from 2008 to March, 2016 and the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Case from 2014 to March, 2016.
Paup was appointed to the Zippo Board of Directors in 2011. He is also the President of the supervisory board of Zippo Europe S.A. and a director of Zippo Asia Ltd. In 2014 he directed the buy-out of Zippo’s European joint venture, affecting sales and distribution in six of Zippo’s most important overseas markets. In 2014 and 2015, he led the initiative to establish the wholly-owned subsidiary, Zippo China, in the company’s number one market abroad.
Zippo’s owner and Chairman of the Board said “The time is right for Paup to become Zippo’s next president and CEO. He is an exceptional leader, with a demonstrated track record of implementing complex growth strategies. I look forward to partnering with him in his new role to continue the company’s strong legacy of innovation.”