Pen Argyl native was just named Crayola’s new president, CEO

One of the Lehigh Valley’s most visible companies is getting a new leader.

Pete Ruggiero, who grew up in Pen Argyl, has been promoted to Crayola president and CEO effective Tuesday. Ruggiero recently served as chief operating officer for the company. He takes over from Rich Wuerthele, who announced his retirement.

“I am honored to be the next leader of Crayola and grateful to work alongside a strong team of Crayolians across the globe,” Ruggiero said. “I look forward to expanding the Crayola brand and fulfilling its powerful purpose over the next few years.”

Under Ruggiero’s leadership of global operations, Crayola installed a 30,000-panel solar farm, enhanced its global supply chain capabilities, completed a multiyear project to bring automation to crayon manufacturing and established a culture of driving continuous improvement. During his time as COO, Crayola expanded its U.S. and international business units.

Ruggiero worked at Deloitte and Union Pacific Corp. before joining Crayola in 1997.

Wuerthele led the Forks Township company through the COVID pandemic; introduced Colors of The World crayons, the most successful product launch in the company’s history; and started Crayola Creativity Week, providing free programming and creative inspiration to more than 6 million students in 100 countries.

“It has been an honor to lead the most colorful company in the world over the past four years. I’m proud of all that we have accomplished,” Wuerthele said. “It has been a pleasure to experience the dedication of Crayola employees as they work to inspire children around the world to creatively express themselves through art. I look forward to watching the company grow and build on our success.”