Jenny Craig Inc. Co-Founder Sid Craig Dies at 76

CARLSBAD, Calif., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenny Craig Inc. Co-Founder and
former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Sidney Craig, who
with his wife Jenny built the largest and most successful centre-based weight
loss company in the world, died on Monday, July 21st. He was 76. Sid Craig is
survived by his wife, their five children and 13 grandchildren.
"Sid was a true pioneer in the weight loss industry having been involved
for over 40 years. Together, he and Jenny built the strong foundation of our
Company's values, culture, and mission of improving people's lives by helping
them lose weight and keep it off. I personally feel so very fortunate to have
known such a talented and generous mentor and friend. He will be dearly
missed," said CEO Patti Larchet.
Born March 22, 1932 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Craig came from a
family of three children. His career began in the mid-1950s as a part-time
instructor and entrepreneur at Arthur Murray Dance Studios, where Sid
purchased five studio franchises over time. Upon the company's takeover, he
was elected to the new Board of Directors.
In the 1970s, he would own a stake in a small chain of salons before
forming a new corporation of ladies figure control salons, Body Contour, Inc.
and positioned it for rapid expansion including the New Orleans market where
he met Jenny Guidroz Bourcq, who would soon become his National Director of
Operations and, in 1979, his wife.
In her 2004 autobiography, "The Jenny Craig Story: How One Woman Changes
Millions of Lives," Jenny said, "Sid ... has the charisma of a Jack Kennedy,
the intelligence of an Alan Greenspan, the creative mind of a Steven
Spielberg, and the humor of a Jackie Mason, along with the good looks of a
Clark Gable."
"I've learned that everyone has a soul mate somewhere, and if we're lucky
enough to find them to share our life with, then we are more fortunate than
most. I thank God every day for allowing me to find mine. Sid has enriched my
life in more ways than I can count."
In 1982, the Craigs sold their interest in the 200+center Body Contour,
Inc., moved to Melbourne, Australia, and developed Jenny Craig Inc., a chain
of weight loss centres whose comprehensive approach emphasized health,
moderation and long-term weight maintenance.
A marketing expert, Sid boosted the young weight management company into
overnight success when he placed live advertisements on "New Faces,"
Australia's top talent show, earning Jenny Craig Inc. the 14th-highest company
name recognition in the country.
Sid's leadership built Jenny Craig, Inc. from a small Australian company
into a multi-national business with 655 Centres operating in four countries.
In 2006, Nestle purchased Jenny Craig Inc. for $600 million.
An avid sportsman, Sid and Jenny Craig purchased a 237-acre thoroughbred
horse racing stables, breeding operation and training center in Rancho Santa
Fe, California in 1995. They also own a minority partnership in the Phoenix
Suns of the National Basketball Association. An active car enthusiast, Sid
collected classic cars previously owned by high profile celebrities and
political figures including Franklin D Roosevelt's touring limousine, Dean
Martin, and Al Capone among many others. Sid especially enjoyed the history
behind his cars, which was the prime motivation behind each purchase.
In April 2007, Sid and Jenny were awarded the Horatio Alger Award in
Washington D.C. It was the first time in the organization's 60-year history
that the award was presented to a couple. Sid considered that to be one of the
highlights of his career.
Philanthropically, Sid and Jenny Craig have contributed their support to
organizations such as San Diego Hospice, Easter Seals, United Way/CHAD, and
the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In 1992, Sid Craig pledged
millions to CSUF for the School of Business and Administrative Sciences, which
was renamed The Sid Craig School of Business. In 1996, Sid and Jenny Craig
committed another very large donation to the University of San Diego, which
was used to build the Jenny Craig Pavilion, a multi-use sports pavilion that
was dedicated in October 2000.
The Craigs were quick to come to the aid of Hurricane Katrina victims as
one of the largest donors. They were among the first to respond to the needs
of fire victims in San Diego, where they reside. Their support and concern for
the disadvantaged was their way of giving back in appreciation for their many
blessings.
SOURCE Jenny Craig Inc.

Kristi Roehm of Jenny Craig Inc., +1-760-696-4160, kroehm@jennycraig.com