Robert D. Stuart Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert D. Stuart Jr.
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| United States Ambassador to Norway | |
| In office September 18, 1984 – July 17, 1989 |
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| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Mark Evans Austad |
| Succeeded by | Loret Miller Ruppe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 26, 1916 Winnetka, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | May 8, 2014 (aged 98) |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Barbara Edwards |
| Children | Four |
| Alma mater | Princeton University (B.A.) Yale Law School (J.D.) |
Robert Douglas Stuart Jr. (born April 26, 1916 – died May 8, 2014) was an important American businessman and diplomat. He was the son of a co-founder of the Quaker Oats Company. Robert Stuart Jr. led Quaker Oats as its CEO from 1966 to 1981. He also served as the United States Ambassador to Norway from 1984 to 1989.
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Early Life and Education
Robert Stuart Jr. was born in Winnetka, Illinois, on April 26, 1916. His father, R. Douglas Stuart, was a co-founder of the famous Quaker Oats Company. His grandfather, Robert Stuart, was also one of the company's founders.
Robert Stuart Jr. went to Princeton University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1937. After that, he continued his studies at Yale Law School.
America First Committee
While he was still a law student, Stuart started an organization called the America First Committee. This group was formed on September 4, 1940. Its main goal was to keep the United States out of World War II. They wanted the country to remain neutral.
Other students who joined this committee included Gerald Ford, who later became president. The group asked Robert E. Wood, who led Sears, to be their leader. They also had Charles Lindbergh, a famous pilot, as their spokesman.
At its busiest, the America First Committee had about 800,000 members. They had 650 local groups across the country. The committee stopped its work shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. This event led the United States to join World War II.
Military Service
Robert Stuart Jr. served in the United States Army during World War II. He reached the rank of major. After the war, he went back to Yale Law School. He received his law degree in 1946.
Career at Quaker Oats
After finishing law school, Stuart joined the Quaker Oats Company. He worked there for 38 years. He became the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company in 1966. He first served as president and then as chairman of the board until 1981.
During his time as CEO, Stuart helped Quaker Oats grow a lot. He made the company more diverse. A big step was when Quaker Oats bought the toy company Fisher-Price in 1969. Under his leadership, the company's earnings increased greatly, from $500 million to $2 billion.
Besides leading Quaker Oats, Stuart also served on the boards of other major companies. These included the First National Bank of Chicago, United Airlines, and John Deere.
Public Service and Diplomacy
Stuart was also very active in the Republican Party. From 1964 to 1972, he represented the Illinois Republican Party on the Republican National Committee.
He also supported community groups. He was involved with the Boy Scouts of America and the Chicago Urban League.
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan chose Stuart to be the United States Ambassador to Norway. Stuart officially started his role on October 16, 1984. He served as ambassador until July 17, 1989.
Later, Stuart was part of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. This group decided which military bases to close or reorganize. He was appointed to this commission by President George H. W. Bush in 1991 and by President Bill Clinton in 1993.
He also served on the board of the National Commission on the Public Service. This group worked to improve government service.
Later Life and Death
Robert Stuart Jr. passed away on May 8, 2014. He was 98 years old. He died from a heart attack while traveling back to the United States from France.
