Date of Birth: October 15, 1924
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: July 2, 2019
Biography
Lido Anthony “Lee” Iacocca was an influential American automobile executive best known for his roles at Ford Motor Company and Chrysler Corporation. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Iacocca grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and went on to earn a degree in industrial engineering from Lehigh University, followed by a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Princeton University. Iacocca began his career at Ford in 1946 as an engineer but soon transitioned to sales and management due to his exceptional interpersonal skills. He was instrumental in the development of the Ford Mustang, which became a landmark success in the 1960s. Despite his achievements, Iacocca was fired from Ford in 1978 due to a clash with then-CEO Henry Ford II. Iacocca didn’t stay unemployed for long. He joined Chrysler Corporation when it was on the brink of bankruptcy. He orchestrated one of the most famous corporate turnarounds in history by securing a loan from the U.S. government, cutting costs, and introducing successful new models like the Chrysler K-cars and the minivan. His efforts not only saved the company but also made him a household name. Iacocca’s autobiography, published in 1984, became a best-seller, further solidifying his status as a business icon. He continued to be an influential voice in business and philanthropy until his death.
5 Interesting Facts about Lee Iacocca
1. Iacocca played a key role in the development and launch of the Ford Mustang in 1964.
2. He successfully negotiated a $1.5 billion loan from the U.S. government to save Chrysler from bankruptcy in 1980.
3. Iacocca was one of the most well-compensated executives of his time, often earning millions in salary and bonuses.
4. He authored several books, including his best-selling autobiography, “Iacocca: An Autobiography,” published in 1984.
5. Iacocca appeared in numerous television commercials for Chrysler, making him a recognizable face to the American public.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lee Iacocca
1. “In the end, all business operations can be reduced to three words: people, product, and profits.”
2. “The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen.”
3. “Management is nothing more than motivating other people.”
4. “You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can’t get them across, your ideas won’t get you anywhere.”
5. “If you set a good example, you need not worry about setting rules.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Lee Iacocca’s net worth was estimated to be around $150 million.
Children
Lee Iacocca had two daughters, Kathryn and Lia, with his first wife, Mary McCleary Iacocca.
Relevant Links
1. [Lee Iacocca’s Biography on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Iacocca
2. [Ford Mustang History](https://www.fordmuscle.com/news/the-history-of-the-mustang/
4. [Iacocca’s Autobiography](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/107676.Iacocca
5. [Lee Iacocca’s Quotes](https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/lee-iacocca-quotes
