Born in Salem Massachusetts in 1935 he went to work for General Electric in 1960 after earning his PhD in chemical engineering. At GE his marketing and management skills earned him consistent promotions including:

• 1972  Vice President
• 1977  Senior Vice President
• 1979  Vice Chairman
• 1981  Chairman & CEO  (GE's youngest ever)

His success at the helm of GE has made him one of the most  respected business leaders in the world.