George H. Love

George H. Love
Born	Template:Birth date Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	July 25, 1991(1991-07-25) (aged 90)
Occupation(s)	Industrialist, business executive
Known for	Leadership of Consolidation Coal Company and Chrysler Corporation

George H. Love (September 4, 1900 – July 25, 1991) was a prominent American industrialist and business executive who successfully restored profitability to both the Consolidation Coal Company and the Chrysler Corporation.

Early life

Originating from Pennsylvania, Love pursued his education at Phillips Exeter Academy followed by Princeton University. Initially unable to secure employment, he worked as a miner and supervisor within his family's coal mining operations. Subsequently, he obtained an MBA from Harvard University and spent two years as an investment broker before assuming management of three coal mines owned by his family. By 1926, he had advanced to vice-president of Pittsburgh Union Collieries and was promoted to president in 1933.

Consolidation Coal Company

Love assumed leadership of the ailing Consolidation Coal Company in 1944. He orchestrated strategic mergers and acquisitions with Pittsburgh Coal and the M. A. Hanna Company, forming what became the largest coal enterprise in the United States at that time. Emphasizing industrial clientele over private consumers, he improved operational efficiency through economies of scale. Additionally, Love modernized the company’s infrastructure by replacing outdated tools with mechanized equipment and enhancing workplace safety protocols. He relinquished his role in 1956.

Union Efforts

Renowned for equitable dealings with union chief John L. Lewis and the United Mine Workers, Love later acted as the principal negotiator for the coal sector, playing a key role in establishing a thirteen-year period of labor stability.

Chrysler Corporation

With significant holdings in Chrysler through his coal enterprises, Love joined its board in 1958 during a period of declining sales. Following Lester Lum Colbert’s resignation in 1961, he was appointed chairman and chief policy officer. Collaborating part-time with company president Lynn A. Townsend, whom he selected for the position, Love contributed to increasing Chrysler’s market share from 7.3% in 1962 to 16.7% by 1966. He stepped down as chairman in 1966 but continued serving on the board until 1972.

Love passed away in 1991 due to complications related to emphysema.

Interests

Love purchased a portion of Walter Evans Edge's Sunny Hill Plantation located in Leon County, Florida, which he renamed Loveridge Plantation and used primarily for quail hunting activities.