Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Gerard Swope
General Electric Company
1922–1939
1922–1939
General Electric Company
1922–1939
1922–1939
- Industry: Fabricated Goods
- Era: 1920
Though GE was highly successful in the market for heavy electrical machinery and engineering systems, Swope was determined to diversify the company into “public” products. Swope steered GE towards smaller electronic appliances, giving the utility giant its first access to everyday consumers. This expansion was so successful that by 1930, it accounted for 50% of GE’s business. Under Swope’s guidance, GE’s sales grew from $200 million in 1922 to $1.35 billion in 1944.
Personal
- Born-Died: 1872–1957
- Birthplace: Missouri
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
- Father: Owner, Small Business
Education / Military
- Undergraduate: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Military Service: Army