Harold S. Geneen

Date of Birth: February 22, 1910

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: November 21, 1997

Biography

Harold S. Geneen was an influential American businessman best known for his tenure as the president and CEO of the International Telephone & Telegraph Corporation (ITT) from 1959 to 1977. Born in Bournemouth, England, Geneen moved to the United States at a young age. He graduated from New York University and worked his way up through various accounting and managerial positions in the corporate world. Geneen’s leadership at ITT transformed the company into one of the largest conglomerates in the world during the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his rigorous management style and innovative business strategies, which included aggressive acquisitions and a focus on decentralized management. Under his leadership, ITT acquired over 300 companies in industries ranging from telecommunications to insurance to hospitality. Geneen’s legacy is marked by his contributions to modern business practices, particularly in the areas of corporate governance and management. His book, “Managing,” published in 1984, remains a significant work in the field of business management. He passed away in 1997, leaving behind a lasting impact on the business world.

5 Interesting Facts about Harold S. Geneen

1. Harold Geneen was born in Bournemouth, England, but his family emigrated to the United States when he was a child.

2. He served as the president and CEO of ITT for 18 years, during which time the company’s revenues increased from $765 million to $17 billion.

3. Geneen was known for his “management by numbers” philosophy, emphasizing detailed financial control and accountability.

4. He oversaw ITT’s acquisition of notable companies, including Sheraton Hotels and Avis Rent a Car.

5. Geneen’s management techniques and corporate strategies are still studied in business schools around the world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harold S. Geneen

1. “The five essential entrepreneurial skills for success: Concentration, Discrimination, Organization, Innovation, and Communication.”

2. “In business, words are words; explanations are explanations, promises are promises, but only performance is reality.”

3. “Management must manage.”

4. “Leadership cannot really be taught. It can only be learned.”

5. “The greatest things are accomplished by individual people, not by committees or companies.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Harold Geneen’s net worth was estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars, though an exact figure is difficult to determine due to the era and the nature of his investments.