Michael H. Jordan facts for kids
Michael H. Jordan (born June 13, 1936 – died May 25, 2010) was an important American businessman. He led several major companies as their chief executive officer (CEO). These included PepsiCo Worldwide Foods, Westinghouse Electric Corporation, CBS Corporation, and Electronic Data Systems.
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Early Life and Education
Michael Jordan was born in Kansas City, Missouri.
He went to Yale University and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1957. Later, he got another degree in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University in 1959.
Family Life
Michael Jordan married Kathryn Hiett in 1961. They had two children, Kathryn and Stephen. Later, he married Hilary Cecil in 2000 in New York City.
After college, Michael Jordan joined the United States Navy in 1960. He was chosen to work with Admiral Hyman G. Rickover on a special team. This team was helping to develop America's nuclear submarine force. He finished his active duty in 1964.
His Business Career
Michael Jordan had a long and successful career in business. He worked for many different companies and helped them grow.
Early Career and PepsiCo
From 1964 to 1974, Jordan worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. In 1974, he joined PepsiCo, a very well-known food and beverage company. He held many important jobs there, including being the chief financial officer (CFO). He retired from PepsiCo in 1992.
Leading Westinghouse and CBS
After PepsiCo, he worked for a private investment firm. In 1993, he became the first outside Chairman and CEO of Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He helped transform this big company, and it even bought CBS Corporation. He retired from CBS in 1998. After this, he became a private investor and even wrote a mystery novel!
Turning Around Electronic Data Systems
In 2003, Michael Jordan was asked to lead Electronic Data Systems (EDS). As Chairman and CEO, he helped improve the company's finances and operations. He stepped down as head of EDS in 2007 but stayed on as Chairman Emeritus until the company was bought by Hewlett Packard in 2008.
Serving on Company Boards
Michael Jordan also served on the boards of directors for many other companies. This means he helped guide these companies with his experience. Some of the companies he advised included Dell Computer Corporation and Aetna. He also served on the board of WPP Group.
He also helped non-profit organizations. He was chairman of the Center for Excellence in Education and the United Negro College Fund. He was also involved with Yale University's business and engineering programs.
His Passing
Michael Jordan passed away on May 25, 2010, at the age of 73. He died from neuroendocrine cancer.
