John Stuart (CEO) facts for kids

John Stuart (1877–1969) was a very important leader at the Quaker Oats Company. He was the company's chief executive officer (CEO) for many years, from 1922 to 1953.

John Stuart: A Business Leader

Early Life and Education

John Stuart was born in Chicago in 1877. His father, Robert Stuart, was also a businessman. John went to school at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. When he was a teenager, he worked in his father's mill in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sweeping floors.

After high school, he studied at Princeton University and graduated in 1900. He was also a talented golfer. In 1901, he won the first TransMississippi Amateur golf tournament.

Joining Quaker Oats

In 1899, John's father and his business partner, Henry Parsons Crowell, took control of the American Cereal Company. They did this by convincing other shareholders to support them. In 1901, they changed the company's name to the Quaker Oats Company. This name used the popular "Quaker" brand that Crowell had already made famous.

In 1907, when John was 30 years old, he became a director at Quaker Oats. He quickly learned all about how the business worked.

Leading Quaker Oats

John Stuart became the CEO of the Quaker Oats Company in 1922. He was 43 years old at the time. His brother, R. Douglas Stuart, soon took over the company's marketing.

During John Stuart's time as CEO, Quaker Oats created many new products. They introduced cereals like Puffed Wheat and Puffed Rice. The company also bought the Aunt Jemima brand in 1925.

Quaker Oats started selling other types of products too. In 1942, they bought the dog food brand Ken-L Ration. Later, in 1950, they bought the Puss 'n Boots cat food brand. John Stuart stepped down as CEO in 1953. He passed his role to Donold Lourie.

Other Important Roles

Besides his work at Quaker Oats, John Stuart was also on the board of directors for several other big companies. These included International Harvester, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. He was also a trustee for Princeton University and the University of Chicago.

In 1947, President of the United States Harry Truman asked John Stuart to join the Hoover Commission. This group helped the government work better.

John Stuart was married to Ellen Shumway. They had two daughters and a son, John Stuart, Jr.. John Stuart passed away on December 26, 1969, at Lake Forest Hospital.