When his father, George Stephen, Sr., opened a second Weber-Stephen Products Co. factory in 1958, eight-year-old Jim Stephen frequently rode his bike miles from home to sweep the factory’s floors and do other odd jobs—simply because he loved being there. He knew, even as a young boy, that he would be part of his family’s business for the rest of his life.

Stephen began his official career at Weber in 1976 as National Sales Manager of the Gas Grill Division. In this role, he was in charge of growing national distribution of the expanding line of Weber^® gas grills. After learning the sales side of the business, Jim moved on to become Director of Manufacturing in 1978. During his tenure in this position, he was responsible for the production of all Weber products. In 1982, when Weber consolidated its manufacturing at its Palatine location, he was appointed Vice President of Manufacturing. In this role, Stephen led the team that developed the Genesis^® gas grill, the product that revolutionized the gas grill market by providing precise heat control. Ten years later, he was appointed to his current position­­­­­—President and Chief Executive Officer. Stephen also serves on the company’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Stephen still resides within biking distance of the Weber factory. He and his wife Susan have two daughters and a son. When not manning the grill—or the family’s grill business—you’ll find him aboard his family’s sailboat or his racing boat.