A Heartfelt Farewell to Greg Knipp: A Legacy of Leadership, Mentorship, and Friendship
With profound sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Greg Knipp, our beloved CEO, who left us on August 4, 2025. This is not just the loss of a leader; it is the loss of a mentor, a friend, and a deeply cherished member of the Dieste family. Words cannot fully capture the depth of the grief we feel, nor the extent of the mark Greg has left on all of us—his colleagues, friends, and the entire community he served with such dedication and passion.
Greg’s untimely passing at the age of 55 has stunned us all. For many of us, his leadership, guidance, and friendship were constants in our professional and personal lives. We find ourselves at a loss, as the person who was always there with a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a strategic insight, is no longer with us. While our hearts are heavy with sadness, we also reflect on the incredible legacy he leaves behind, one that will continue to inspire us for years to come.
A Visionary Leader: Greg Knipp’s Impact on Dieste
Greg Knipp was more than just the CEO of Dieste—he was the visionary who transformed the company into one of the most respected and innovative forces in the industry. Under his leadership, Dieste not only flourished but became a model of how to balance cutting-edge business strategies with a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive work environment. Greg had an uncanny ability to see beyond the horizon, understanding the complexities of an ever-changing market while always prioritizing the people behind the company.
When Greg took the helm as CEO, Dieste was already known for its dedication to creativity and collaboration, but Greg’s leadership pushed the company into new territories. His strategic direction led to increased business growth, but more importantly, he redefined what it meant to be a successful company in the modern world. Greg made it clear from the very beginning that people first was not just a tagline—it was the foundation of everything we did.
Through his efforts, Dieste became a recognized leader in diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every voice was heard, and every perspective valued. He took great pride in creating a workplace where employees were not just numbers or cogs in a machine but were seen, respected, and celebrated for their individuality.
“Greg’s leadership wasn’t about being the loudest in the room. It was about listening. It was about understanding people’s needs, empowering them to grow, and creating an environment where everyone could thrive. He always knew how to get the best out of people by building a culture of trust and respect,” said Rachel Alvarez, Dieste’s Vice President of Marketing. “He was a true visionary who understood the value of collaboration and the importance of nurturing talent.”
More Than a Boss: A Mentor and Friend
While Greg was undoubtedly a highly respected CEO, those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him know that he was so much more than a boss. He was a mentor in every sense of the word—offering advice not just on business strategies but on life itself. His guidance helped countless people within Dieste, shaping careers and providing a model of leadership that focused on empathy, understanding, and unwavering integrity.
Greg had a unique ability to connect with people, regardless of their role or position within the company. Whether it was the CEO, an intern, or someone from the support staff, Greg treated everyone with the same level of respect and kindness. His door was always open, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand or offer words of encouragement.
“Greg wasn’t just my boss; he was my mentor and friend. He saw potential in me when I didn’t see it in myself. He invested in me—not just professionally, but as a person. He genuinely cared about my growth, both in the office and outside it,” shared Carlos Ramos, Dieste’s Director of Operations. “He was a rare leader who didn’t just talk about values; he lived them every day. His integrity, his work ethic, and his sense of fairness will continue to guide me, even in his absence.”
For many of us, the loss of Greg is not just the loss of a superior—it is the loss of a person who truly made us feel seen and valued. His approach to leadership was deeply personal, always putting people first and making sure that we knew our worth. In doing so, he not only elevated the company, but he also elevated each of us to be the best versions of ourselves.
A Legacy of Compassion and Community
Greg was not just a brilliant business leader; he was a man of compassion who cared deeply about giving back to the community. Throughout his tenure, he championed various charitable initiatives, many of which focused on youth development, education, and mental health awareness. He believed strongly in the responsibility of companies to make the world a better place, and he encouraged everyone at Dieste to be active participants in community service.
Under his leadership, Dieste partnered with several local organizations, and Greg was often seen volunteering his time for causes that were close to his heart. Whether it was organizing food drives, mentoring at-risk youth, or advocating for mental health awareness, Greg always led by example, showing us that leadership is not just about making a profit but also about making a difference.
“Greg always had a way of making you feel like you could change the world—one small act of kindness at a time,” said Ashley Torres, a senior team member at Dieste. “He always encouraged us to get involved and gave us the resources to do so. His passion for helping others was contagious, and he made sure we never lost sight of the importance of contributing to our communities.”
Honoring Greg Knipp: A Celebration of His Life and Legacy
While the sadness of Greg’s passing is overwhelming, we are also committed to honoring his life and legacy in the most fitting way possible. In the coming days, Dieste will hold a celebration of life in his memory, where colleagues, friends, and family will come together to share stories, reflect on his extraordinary leadership, and celebrate the impact he made on all of us.
We will also be establishing the Greg Knipp Leadership Fund, an initiative dedicated to supporting young professionals pursuing careers in business leadership, marketing, and social responsibility—values that Greg held dear. The fund will provide scholarships and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that Greg’s legacy of empowering others to lead with integrity and compassion lives on for generations to come.
“It’s hard to imagine Dieste without Greg. He was the heart and soul of this company, and he will always be a part of us. But I take comfort in knowing that his influence will continue to guide us,” said Fernando Gutierrez, Dieste’s Chief Financial Officer. “We are committed to carrying forward the values he instilled in us and the incredible work he did to shape this company into what it is today.”
A Leader Who Will Never Be Forgotten
Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we take solace in knowing that Greg’s impact on Dieste, and the world at large, is immeasurable. His leadership was not only about driving success; it was about making people feel seen, heard, and valued. He was a beacon of integrity, compassion, and vision, and we are all the better for having had the privilege of working with him.
As we move forward without Greg, we carry with us the lessons he taught us, the wisdom he shared, and the values he embodied. His spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of Dieste, and his legacy will continue to guide us as we strive to live up to the incredible example he set.
Rest in peace, Greg. You were loved more than words can express, and your legacy will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything.
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