Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
LeRoy A. Petersen
Otis Elevator Company
1945–1966
1945–1966
Otis Elevator Company
1945–1966
1945–1966
- Industry: Fabricated Goods
- Era: 1940
In his 22 years with Otis, Petersen helped the elevator manufacturer transition from war to peacetime production and become increasingly profitable in the process. Though the firm’s defense division still remained an integral part of operations throughout his tenure, Petersen focused on Otis’ other customers and on building high quality products that came with a guarantee of equally high quality service and repair operations. He also expanded the firm internationally, acquiring stakes in other companies and erecting offices abroad, so that by the time he retired in 1965, Otis had either offices or agents in well over 100 countries.
Education / Military
- Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin
- Military Service: Army