Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Whitney Stevens
J. P. Stevens and Company
1979–1988
1979–1988
J. P. Stevens and Company
1979–1988
1979–1988
- Industry: Fabric & Apparel
- Era: 1970
Having inherited his fathers labor problems, Whitney Stevens’ early years at his family’s company were dominated by struggles with textile unions. Though the family strongly opposed the organizations, Whitney was forced to acquiesce and allow for unionization of J. P. Stevens’ employees. Despite the negativity associated with the firm’s labor struggles, Whitney Stevens invested in many new and profitable operations, the most notable of which was a partnership with Ralph Lauren to make home décor, that allowed profits to grow from $6.2 million in 1979 to $56 million in 1987.
Personal
- Born-Died: 1926
- Birthplace: New Jersey
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
- Father: Head, Same Company
Education / Military
- Undergraduate: Princeton University
- Military Service: Navy