Frederick Kappel
Frederick Russell Kappel | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 January 1902 Albert Lea, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | 10 November 1994 (aged 92) Sarasota, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Years active | 1924–1974 |
| Known for | President of Western Electric (1954–1956); President of AT&T (1956–1961); Chairman of AT&T (1961–1972); Chairman of the Business Council (1963–1964); Chairman of the United States Postal Service (1972–1974) |
Frederick Russell Kappel (January 14, 1902 – November 10, 1994) was a prominent American executive known for his leadership as the 9th President of Western Electric from January 1954 until September 1956, and subsequently as chairman of AT&T between 1961 and 1972. He also played significant roles within the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon.
Early life
Raised in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Kappel completed his higher education at the University of Minnesota.
Career
Kappel's professional journey began in 1924 with AT&T, starting as a telephone pole digger earning $25 per week for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Minnesota. He advanced to become president of Western Electric in 1954, then ascended to AT&T’s presidency in 1956, later assuming the role of chairman from 1961 through 1972. Additionally, he led the Business Council as its chairman during 1963–1964.
Under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Kappel was appointed to chair several presidential commissions, notably the Commission on Postal Organization and a special mediation board addressing a railroad labor dispute in 1967. During President Richard M. Nixon’s tenure, he served as a governor of the United States Postal Service and held its chairmanship from 1972 to 1974. His achievements earned him a feature on the cover of Time magazine dated May 29, 1964; he was also honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom that same year and received the John Fritz Medal in 1965.
Beyond telecommunications, Kappel contributed as a board member for both Chase Manhattan Bank and General Foods. He chaired the board of International Paper from 1969 until 1971 and subsequently led its executive committee until 1972.
Personal life
Kappel was married twice—first in 1927 and again in 1978. He passed away in Sarasota, Florida, on November 10, 1994, due to complications from Alzheimer's disease.
Bibliography
- Business Purpose and Performance: Selections from Talks and Papers (1964)