Harold Geneen Ceo Quotes

A collection of quotes by Harold Geneen Ceo.

Harold Geneen was an American business executive, famously known for his remarkable leadership as the CEO of ITT Corporation. He was born on January 22, 1910, in Bournemouth, England, and later immigrated to the United States with his family.

Geneen started his career as a bookkeeper and quickly rose through the ranks in various businesses. In 1959, he joined ITT (International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation), a multinational conglomerate, where he would ultimately become the CEO. Under his visionary guidance, ITT grew from a struggling company with a market value of $150 million to a global powerhouse worth over $16 billion.

Geneen revolutionized business management practices by implementing decentralized decision-making and fostering a culture of employee empowerment. He believed in managing by objectives and placed great emphasis on accountability, demanding regular reports to ensure operational efficiency. Geneen developed a reputation as a tough and disciplined leader, often described as a hard-nosed businessman.

During his tenure, ITT diversified into various industries, including telecommunications, insurance, and hospitality. However, his aggressive acquisition strategy eventually led to controversy, with some accusing ITT of monopolistic practices. Despite these challenges, Geneen left an indelible mark on the business world, and his management principles continue to influence leaders today.

Harold Geneen retired as CEO in 1977 but remained an influential figure until his passing on November 21, 1997, in Manhasset, New York. He was widely recognized for his exceptional business acumen and the transformational impact he had on ITT and the corporate world as a whole.