He starred in Wabash's production of Mister Roberts and was a member of the school's football and tennis teams.
[4] In 1975, Tippett joined STP, an automotive aftermarket products company owned by the Studebaker-Packard Corporation, as an executive vice president.
As president, Tippett was the company's number two officer and oversaw almost all vehicle-making operations.
[4] In 1982, with AMC's partnership with Renault struggling to succeed, chairman and chief executive officer Gerald C. Meyers left the company and Tippett was promoted to replace him.
[7] He remained chairman of the board until December 13, 1985, when he was replaced by Renault executive Pierre Semerena.