Who Is Lee Iacocca? Age, Biography and Wiki
Lee Iacocca, born on October 15, 1924, was a legendary American businessman and automotive executive who rose to prominence as the CEO of Chrysler Corporation. Known for his charismatic leadership and marketing genius, Iacocca's innovative strategies helped save the American automaker from bankruptcy in the 1980s. He was not only an instrumental figure in the automotive industry but also an author and a public figure. Tragically, Iacocca passed away on July 2, 2019, at the age of 94.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 15, 1924 |
| Age | 94 Years |
| Birth Place | Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 2 July, 2019 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Lee Iacocca's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although the details of his physical attributes were not frequently discussed, Lee Iacocca was known to project a robust and authoritative presence, as befitting his role in the corporate world. In terms of average stats for individuals in his demographic, the consensus would place him around 6 feet tall and of average build—though specific measurements are not detailed in public records.
In 1977, there were allegations that the Pinto's structural design allowed its fuel-tank filler neck to break off and the fuel tank to be punctured in a rear-end collision, resulting in deadly fires. In 1978, all 1971–76 Pintos were recalled and had safety shielding and reinforcements installed to protect the fuel tank.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lee Iacocca was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to Mary McCleary in 1956, with whom he had two daughters, and they remained together until her untimely passing in 1983. He later married his second wife, Darrien Earle, in 1986, though they separated in 1993. Lee had often kept his family life somewhat private, focusing more on his professional accomplishments.
Members of his family opened a restaurant, Yocco's Hot Dogs, which has since grown to five locations in Allentown and its suburbs. Iacocca was reportedly christened with the unusual name "Lido" because he was conceived during his parents' honeymoon in the Lido district in Venice.
However, he denied the basis for his christened name in his autobiography, calling it romantic but untrue; his father, Iacocca wrote, travelled to Lido long before his marriage with the brother of his future wife.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Lee Iacocca's estimated net worth was in the range of $800 million. He accrued wealth through his successful career at Ford Motor Company and Chrysler, as well as through various business ventures and investments. His influential role in the auto industry not only earned him a lucrative salary during his tenure as CEO but also unparalleled prestige and recognition.
Career, Business and Investments
Iacocca began his career at Ford in 1946, where he quickly climbed the ranks by introducing several innovative models, most notably the Mustang. However, his most remarkable achievement was at Chrysler, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s revival during financial crises. Under his leadership, Chrysler introduced the K-Car line and the minivan, revolutionizing the automotive market. After retiring, Iacocca continued to invest in various businesses and did extensive charity work that impacted the community positively.
Lido Anthony "Lee" Iacocca (October 15, 1924 – July 2, 2019) was an American automobile executive who developed the Ford Mustang, Lincoln Continental Mark III, and Ford Pinto cars while at the Ford Motor Company in the 1960s, and then revived the Chrysler Corporation as its CEO during the 1980s.
He was president of Chrysler from 1978 to 1991 and chairman and CEO from 1979 until his retirement at the end of 1992. He was one of the few executives to preside over the operations of two of the United States' Big Three automakers.
Social Network
Lee Iacocca maintained a significant presence in the business community and had a considerable following on social media platforms during his later years. His insights on business and leadership were frequently shared, and despite his passing, his legacy continues to resonate in discussions about entrepreneurship and innovation.
In 1988, with Sonny Kleinfeld, Iacocca co-authored Talking Straight, a book meant as a counterbalance to Akio Morita's Made in Japan, a non-fiction book praising Japan's post-war hard-working culture. Talking Straight praised the innovation and creativity of Americans.
Education
Lee Iacocca graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering in 1945. His educational background laid the foundation for his future success in the corporate world, enabling him to blend engineering principles with marketing strategies effectively.
Iacocca attended Allentown High School in Allentown, where he graduated with honors in 1942. He then attended Lehigh University in neighboring Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he graduated with a degree in industrial engineering. At Lehigh University, he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, and Theta Chi fraternity.
