New CEO at Universal Lubricants
Jan Robert Horsfall was named chief executive officer of Universal Lubricants, manufacturer and distributor of the high performance Eco Ultra line of sustainable motor oils and transmission fluids, in July 2013.
A veteran leader of organizational and strategic change, Horsfall oversees the company’s 430 employees and national operations, which include one of the world's most technologically advanced re-refineries in Wichita, Kansas. Through its closed loop process, the company collects, re-refines, blends and re-distributes its own engine oils and lubricants. Horsfall’s clear vision for the future, passion for the Zero Waste Movement and entrepreneurial approach to new opportunities promise to make Universal Lubricants one of the best renewable resources companies in America.
Horsfall joined Universal Lubricants as chief marketing officer in 2012 when he was responsible for all marketing programs, consumer and industry partnership initiatives, internal and external communications, and agency management.
Prior to his appointment to the Universal Lubricants executive team, Mr. Horsfall co-founded Startup Colorado, a statewide initiative that supports early stage technology companies.
He began his career with The Valvoline Company, a division of Ashland Inc., where he advanced through sales and marketing positions before taking the role of vice president of consumer brand strategy. In 1996, he joined Internet search firm Lycos where he served on the senior team as vice president of marketing.
Lycos was sold for $5.4 billion in 2000 to Terra Networks. Horsfall then founded Blackstone-backed Gemini Voice Solutions. Recently he held the role of chief marketing officer at Turbine Inc., creator and operator of online games. He left Turbine after it was sold to Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in June 2010.
Mr. Horsfall is a member of the board of directors of Colorado State University’s College of Business and several technology companies. He is a strong supporter and advocate for the non-profit Surfrider Foundation and an active outdoorsman. He is a graduate of Colorado State University.