James McNerney

Date of Birth: August 22, 1949

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Biography

James McNerney, born Walter James “Jim” McNerney Jr., is an accomplished American businessman known for his leadership roles in some of the most prominent companies in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, McNerney graduated from Yale University in 1971 and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1975. His career began at Procter & Gamble, but he soon moved to General Electric (GE), where he spent nearly two decades climbing the corporate ladder. At GE, he held various roles, ultimately becoming the president and CEO of GE Aircraft Engines. In 2001, McNerney was appointed chairman and CEO of 3M, where he significantly improved the company’s performance and global reach. He is perhaps best known for his tenure as chairman, president, and CEO of Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, from 2005 to 2015. During his time at Boeing, McNerney played a critical role in advancing the company’s commercial airplane and defense businesses, despite facing several challenges, including delays in the 787 Dreamliner program. Under his leadership, Boeing saw substantial growth and strengthened its position as a global aerospace leader. McNerney’s strategic vision and focus on innovation left a lasting impact on the industry.

5 Interesting Facts about James McNerney

1. James McNerney was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity while at Yale University.

2. He was named one of the “Best CEOs in the World” by Barron’s multiple times during his tenure at Boeing.

3. McNerney served as a director on the boards of several major companies, including Procter & Gamble and IBM.

4. He implemented the “One Boeing” strategy to unify the company’s various business units.

5. McNerney is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education, contributing to institutions like Harvard Business School and Yale University.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James McNerney

1. “A company is only as good as the people it keeps.”

2. “Innovation is the key to staying ahead in any industry.”

3. “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”

4. “In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.”

5. “To be a leader, you must be a great communicator.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by James McNerney is estimated to be around $100 million.

Children

James McNerney has three children. Details about their personal lives are kept relatively private, reflecting his preference for maintaining a low profile for his family.