Gary Ruth serves as Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Operations for Philip Morris USA. In his current role, Gary oversees Tobacco Processing & Manufacturing, the Richmond Manufacturing Center, Export Customer Relations, Capacity Consolidation/Manufacturing Programs, and Cabarrus Manufacturing. He has held this position since October 2008.
From 2000 to 2008, Gary served as Vice President/General Manager of Philip Morris USA's Cabarrus Manufacturing Center.
Prior to this appointment, he was the Vice President – Sales of the Southwest Region for Philip Morris USA. Since Gary joined Philip Morris in 1993, he has held several positions in both the Richmond and Louisville Manufacturing Centers. He joined the Richmond Manufacturing Center in 1993 as the Quality Assurance Manager. Gary also held positions as Cigarette Manufacturing Manager and Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Manufacturing. After transferring to Louisville in 1996, he was appointed Plant Manager and later General Manager.
During his career with Philip Morris USA, Gary has been actively involved in many organizations throughout the community. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Metro United Way of Louisville, the University of Louisville Engineering School, Associated Industries of Kentucky, Greater Louisville Inc., Richmond Junior Achievement, and the Kentuckiana Minority Supplier Development Council.
Currently, Gary serves on the Board of Directors for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Regional Partnership, and the North Carolina Chamber. In addition, he serves on the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Advisors and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Board of Visitors.
A native of Anderson, Ind., Gary received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a masters degree in industrial administration from Purdue University.
