Thornton Wilson
| Thornton Wilson | |
|---|---|
| Born |
February 8, 1921 Sikeston, Missouri |
| Died |
April 10, 1999 (aged 78) Palm Springs, California |
| Citizenship | American |
| Alma mater |
Iowa State University (BS) California Institute of Technology (MS) |
| Occupation | Former CEO, Boeing |
| Spouse(s) | Grace Wilson |
Thornton "T" Arnold Wilson (February 8, 1921 – April 10, 1999) was the Chairman of the Board and chief executive officer of Boeing corporation.[1][2][3]
Born in Sikeston, Missouri, Wilson earned his B.S. in aeronautical engineering from Iowa State University in Ames and a master's degree from the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.[3] He also attended the MIT Sloan School of Management's Sloan Fellows program, but did not graduate.[4] While attending Iowa State, Wilson was a member of the swim team.
Wilson was awarded the NAS Award in Aeronautical Engineering in 1985 from the National Academy of Sciences.[5] In 1992, he was the recipient of the Tony Jannus Award for his distinguished contributions to commercial aviation.
Wilson joined Boeing in 1943 and worked on bomber programs, notably the swept-wing B-47 Stratojet and B-52 Stratofortress, and also led the proposal team that won the contract for the Minuteman missile.[2] He became company president in 1968, chief executive officer in 1969, and chairman in 1972.[1] Wilson stepped down as CEO in 1986 at age 65, succeeded by Frank Shrontz,[3] and retired as chairman at the end of 1987.[6] He died at age 78 at his winter home in Palm Springs, California.[1]
The main glass gallery of the Museum of Flight in Seattle, opened in 1987, is named for Wilson.[7][8][9]
References
- 1 2 3 "Boeing's T.A. Wilson dies". Spokesman-Review. April 13, 1999. p. A8.
- 1 2 Anderson, Peggy (April 13, 1999). "Former Boeing CEO dies at 78". Ellensburg Daily Record. Associated Press. p. 14.
- 1 2 3 "Boeing's T.A. Wilson stepping aside". Ellensburg Daily Record. UPI. February 25, 1986. p. 5.
- ↑ MIT Alumni
- ↑ "J. C. Hunsaker Award in Aeronautical Engineering". National Academy of Sciences. Retrieved 23 March 2014.
- ↑ "Boeing boss gets big raise". Ellensburg Daily Record. UPI. March 24, 1988. p. 5.
- ↑ "Air museum to open big gallery". Spokane Chronicle. Associated Press. July 6, 1987. p. A5.
- ↑ "VIP's expected for flight museum opening". Ellensburg Daily Record. UPI. July 9, 1987. p. 7.
- ↑ "Flight museum is open". Ellensburg Daily Record. UPI. July 11, 1987. p. 3.
External links
| Business positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by William McPherson Allen |
CEO of Boeing 1969-1986 |
Succeeded by Frank Shrontz |
|