Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Ralph E. Ward
Chesebrough-Pond's
1968–1987
1968–1987
Chesebrough-Pond's
1968–1987
1968–1987
- Industry: Personal Care & Home Products
- Era: 1960
Ward was instrumental in transforming Chesebrough-Pond’s from a small cosmetics company into a major consumer products conglomerate. A formidable risk-taker, Ward was a master of acquiring mature, stagnant companies and putting them on an accelerated growth path. His acquisitions of Ragu Spaghetti Sauce, Bass Shoes, and Health-tex Children’s Clothing are textbook examples of successful mergers. He used Chesebrough’s marketing clout and presence to achieve stellar financial performance for over a decade.
Personal
- Born-Died: 1921
- Birthplace: New Jersey
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
- Father: Laborer, Skilled