Our Founder
Walter J. Zable
1915 - 2012
Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Walter J. Zable is the founder, and former Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer for Cubic Corporation. He formed the company in 1951, the year that Cubic introduced its first product—a device for measuring and testing microwave output.
Originally from Boston, Zable held a master's degree in physics and mathematics, as well as an honorary doctorate of law from his alma mater, the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Prior to forming Cubic, he served as project supervisor in charge of electronics for the Atlas and Terrier missiles, microwave, and antenna development sections at General Dynamics Convair. His background includes engineering and management posts with Sperry Gyroscope Company, where he directed development of fire control, guidance, communications, and command and control systems. Zable also held key technical, scientific and administrative positions with Federal Telecommunications Laboratories of ITT, Flight Research Company, and Newport News Shipyard and Drydock Company.
Throughout his lifetime, Zable was honored with many awards for his contributions as an electronics innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. In June 2005, the City of San Diego recognized his contributions to technology and the community by declaring "Walter J. Zable Day" in his honor. In November 2006, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young, which also honored him with a San Diego Lifetime Achievement Award.