Harold Quinton
Harold Quinton | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1899 Topeka, Kansas, U.S. |
| Died | April 28, 1969 (aged 70) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Corporate executive |
| Years active | 1916–1969 |
| Known for | President, CEO, and chairman of Southern California Edison; development of San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station; planning of Mohave Power Station |
Harold Quinton (circa 1899–1969) was a prominent American corporate leader who held the positions of president, CEO, and chairman at Southern California Edison during the 1950s and 1960s. He played a key role in overseeing the development of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station located in San Diego County, California and was instrumental in the planning of the Mohave Power Station in Laughlin, Nevada.
Early life
Quinton was born around 1899 in Topeka, Kansas. Orphaned by the age of 13, he later earned a degree from Northwestern University and served with the United States Cavalry during World War I.
Career
Beginning his professional journey at age 17 with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Quinton subsequently worked for the United States Department of the Treasury and a tax consultancy based in San Francisco. He eventually became president of Buffum's, a department store situated in Long Beach.
In 1942, Quinton joined Southern California Edison. He held the roles of president and CEO from 1954 until 1959, then served as chairman from 1958 through 1968, after which Jack K. Horton succeeded him. Quinton continued as a board member until 1969. His tenure included managing construction of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and finalizing contracts in 1966 for the $188 million Mohave Power Station project in Nevada.
Quinton also led as president of the Edison Electric Institute. His directorship extended to companies such as Kaiser Steel Corporation, Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company, and First Western Bank and Trust Company. Furthermore, he was engaged in efforts to transform the former Warner Bros. ranch into residential development through Calabasas Park.
He contributed as a trustee at the University of Southern California. Throughout his career, Quinton championed principles including competition, free market capitalism, and advocated for lower government expenditure and taxation. In recognition of his industrial leadership, he was awarded California Industrialist of the Year in 1967 by the California Museum of Science and Industry.
Personal life, death and legacy
Quinton was married to Grace and had one daughter, known as Mrs. Charles Reed. He participated actively in the Boy Scouts of America and resided in Santa Monica, California. He passed away there on April 28, 1969, aged 70.
In his memory, the Harold Quinton Chair in Business Policy and Professor of Management and Organization at the USC Marshall School of Business bears his name; this position is currently held by Professor Paul Adler.