Mark Paup, vice president of sales and marketing, has announced the appointment of Brian Bittner as new product brand manager for Zippo Manufacturing Company.

“We have been looking more than a year for the right person to fill this key position,” Paup explained. “One of Zippo’s strategic initiatives has been to grow our product line, both through company acquisition and new product development, to supplement our core pocket lighter business.

“Brian’s focus will be 100% on product development within our men’s lifestyle, gifts and accessories business, including our new outdoor line of products. He will also continue to extend our popular candle lighter, MPL, and home, hearth, and patio category.

“We are fortunate to have Brian on board,” Paup concluded. “He brings with him a wealth of experience that will go a long way in helping Zippo realize that initiative.”

A native of Ft. Wayne, IN, Bittner comes to Zippo from CTS Electronic Components in Chicago, IL. His experience includes more than 15 years in product development and product management roles across global markets and diverse product lines that include consumer electronics, retail point-of-sale systems, and fuel dispensers.

“I am thrilled to have this opportunity to join a truly iconic American company. Zippo’s storied success is attributable to its talented and motivated employees. It is my privilege to become a member of the Zippo team and the Bradford community,” Bittner said.