Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Bowman Gray, Jr.
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
1957–1967
1957–1967
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
1957–1967
1957–1967
- Industry: Food & Tobacco
- Era: 1950
In 1954, Gray introduced Winston cigarettes, the company’s first filter-type cigarettes, and the Salem brand in 1956. By 1965, Winston had emerged as the nation’s #1 selling cigarette brand, replacing Camel, with Salem not far behind. Gray developed Whitaker Park, the largest and most modern cigarette factory in the world. He also diversified the company acquiring Hawaiian Punch and Chun King Chinese foods. Gray grew company’s sales from just over $1 billion in 1957 to nearly $2 billion by 1967.
Personal
- Born-Died: 1907–1969
- Birthplace: North Carolina
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
- Father: Head, Same Company
Education / Military
- Undergraduate: University of North Carolina
- Military Service: Navy