Date of Birth: November 4, 1941
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Biography
Edward E. Whitacre Jr., often referred to as Ed Whitacre, is an accomplished American businessman known for his leadership roles in major corporations. Born in Ennis, Texas, Whitacre rose to prominence through his extensive career in the telecommunications industry and later in the automotive sector. He is best known for his tenure as the Chairman and CEO of AT&T Inc., where he played a pivotal role in transforming the company into a global telecommunications giant. Whitacre further solidified his reputation when he was appointed the Chairman and CEO of General Motors (GM) during a critical period of restructuring following the 2008 financial crisis. His pragmatic and straightforward leadership style contributed significantly to GM’s recovery and return to profitability.
5 Interesting Facts about Edward Whitacre, Jr.
1. Edward Whitacre Jr. began his career at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1963, which later became part of AT&T Inc.
2. Under his leadership, AT&T Inc. completed significant acquisitions, including BellSouth and Cingular Wireless.
3. Whitacre was appointed by the U.S. government to lead General Motors in 2009, during the company’s bankruptcy restructuring.
4. He authored a memoir titled “American Turnaround: Reinventing AT&T and GM and the Way We Do Business in the USA.”
5. Whitacre is known for his down-to-earth management style and for often being seen without a tie in corporate environments.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edward Whitacre, Jr.
1. “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”
2. “I believe in straightforward, honest communication.”
3. “Success is best when it’s shared.”
4. “The customer is the most important part of the production line.”
5. “If you find a better way to do something, find a way to make it happen.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
During his career, Edward Whitacre Jr. achieved a peak net worth estimated at around $200 million.
Children
Edward Whitacre Jr. has two children, a daughter named Ruth Whitacre and a son named Ed Whitacre III.
Relevant Links
2. [Edward Whitacre Jr. Profile on Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/profile/edward-whitacre-jr/
3. [Edward Whitacre Jr. on AT&T History](https://about.att.com/pages/history/ed_whitacre
