Donald M. Kendall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald M. Kendall
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Donald Mcintosh Kendall
March 16, 1921 Sequim, Washington, U.S.
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| Died | September 19, 2020 (aged 99) Greenwich, Connecticut, U.S.
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| Occupation | Businessman, political adviser |
Donald Mcintosh Kendall (born March 16, 1921 – died September 19, 2020) was a famous American businessman. He was also an adviser to politicians. He led the Pepsi Cola company, which later joined with Frito Lay to become PepsiCo in 1965. Mr. Kendall was the CEO of PepsiCo from 1971 to 1986.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Donald Kendall was born in Clallam County, Washington, in 1921. His family owned a dairy farm there.
In 1942, Kendall joined the U.S. Navy. He was a pilot for a Navy Catalina PBY seaplane. He helped with important landings during World War II. For his bravery, he received three Air Medals and a Distinguished Flying Cross.
Education and Learning
Donald Kendall went to Western Kentucky State College. He also received many special degrees from different universities. These included honorary law degrees from Stetson University and Babson College. He also got a law degree from Gonzaga University. He earned other special degrees from Mercy College, Manhattanville College, State University of New York (SUNY) Purchase, and Long Island University.
Leading Pepsi Cola
Kendall started working at the Pepsi Cola Company in 1947. He began at a bottling plant in New Rochelle, New York. After working as a delivery driver, he became a sales representative. He quickly moved up in the company. By 1956, he was a marketing vice president.
In 1957, he took charge of Pepsi's international business. He became the CEO of Pepsi in 1963. That same year, he made a big decision. He changed the name of Pepsi's diet soda from Patio Diet Cola to Diet Pepsi. This made Pepsi the first major soda company to give its diet drink the same name as its main product.
Kendall also helped bring Pepsi to Russia. For this, he received the Order of Friendship from Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, in 2004. He also helped create the Donald M. Kendall Sculpture Gardens. This is a beautiful sculpture park with gardens, trails, and art. It features sculptures by famous artists like Auguste Rodin and Alexander Calder. The gardens are at PepsiCo's main office in Purchase, New York.
Working with Joan Crawford
Donald Kendall had a challenging work relationship with the famous actress Joan Crawford. She even called him "Fang." Joan Crawford joined the board of directors at Pepsi Cola Company in 1959. This happened after her husband, Alfred Steele, who was the chairman of Pepsi, passed away. She was very active in promoting Pepsi-Cola. She traveled a lot for events like new product launches. In 1973, when she turned 65, she officially retired from the company's board.
Connection to Richard Nixon
Kendall knew Richard Nixon well. Nixon later became president of the United States. Kendall was photographed with Nixon when he was vice president. He was also with Nixon and Nikita Khrushchev during the famous Kitchen Debate in Moscow.
During Nixon's time as president, Pepsi Cola was often served at White House events. Kendall even gave Nixon advice during a difficult time. He later said he was "disappointed" with how Nixon handled the Watergate situation.
Death
Donald Kendall passed away on September 19, 2020. He was 99 years old. He died at his home in Greenwich, Connecticut.
Awards and Recognition
- 1989: George F. Kennan Award for helping improve U.S. and Soviet relations.
- 1987: Inducted into the National Business Hall of Fame.
- 1986: Received the first Equal Justice Award from the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.
- 1979: Awarded the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
Images for kids
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Donald M. Kendall, a successful businessman.
See also
In Spanish: Donald M. Kendall para niños
