Former Pepsi exec Weatherup to address PSC graduates

Craig E. Weatherup, retired founding chairman and CEO of the Pepsi Bottling Group, will be the keynote speaker during the 73rd Commencement at Paul Smith’s College on Saturday, May 8.

Weatherup has been recognized throughout his 29-year career with Pepsi-Cola for a number of transformational achievements and is considered a visionary and pioneer thought leader in both governance and marketing strategies. According to a 2002 report, Weatherup was credited for reshaping the company for an era of unprecendented growth, expanding Pepsi’s portoflio through the introduction of a host of innovate beverages.

In the early 1990s, while Weatherup served as president and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America, sales nearly doubled and profits tripled. He has also been recognized for the successful turn-around of its international operations and creation of the Pepsi Bottling Group, which following its initial public offering in 1999 was the fifth largest in the history of the New York Stock Exchange.

Weatherup and his wife, Connie, have been deeply engaged with the college for decades, not only by providing generous support but also time and knowledge for various college causes and initiatives. He was also the 1994 commencement speaker, and in 2002, the college awarded the couple the Adirondack Medal for preservation and improvement of the park.

He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in accounting from Arizona State University and has served on multiple nonprofit and corporate boards, including the Adirondack Foundation and the Advisory Council of Saint Vencent de Paul. Weatherup is a former chairman of the board of Arizona State University, and has more recently contributed his time and energy to assisting with developing a new strategy outlined by the Northern Forest Center that focuses on attracting and retaining young residents to the region—an initiative the college will take an active role in.

Due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements, 2021 commencement ceremonies are closed to the public.

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu »