Jack K. Horton
Jack K. Horton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Nebraska, United States |
| Died | June 3, 2000 (aged 83) Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Attorney, corporate executive |
| Years active | 1944–1980s |
| Known for | President, CEO, and chairman of Southern California Edison |
Jack K. Horton (June 27, 1916 – June 3, 2000) was a prominent American attorney and corporate leader, recognized for his roles as president, CEO, and chairman of Southern California Edison. Throughout his leadership, Horton directed the establishment of the company’s headquarters in Rosemead, California, secured additional funding by raising electricity rates and issuing stock, and enhanced nuclear power capacity by adding two reactors at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.
Early life
Horton was born in Nebraska and completed his studies at Stanford University in 1936. He gained admission to the California bar in 1941.
Career
Horton’s professional journey began in 1944 at Pacific Public Service Company, where he rose to president by 1952. He subsequently led Coast Counties Gas and Electric Company before joining Pacific Gas and Electric Company as vice president in 1954. In 1957, he became president and CEO of Alberta and Southern Gas Company, which specialized in transporting Canadian natural gas to California.
Between 1959 and 1968, Horton held the presidency of Southern California Edison, advancing to CEO from 1965 until 1980 and chairman from 1968 through 1980. He contributed significantly to the construction of segments of the Pacific DC Intertie, implemented a 9.6% electricity rate increase in 1968 to fund new power facilities, and raised $3 million through stock sales to enhance capital. Although he was unable to obtain financing for a nuclear power and desalination facility on Bolsa Island, by 1969 the company reported growth in revenue, net earnings, and earnings per share.
Horton oversaw the development of Edison’s headquarters designed by architect William L. Pereira and initiated plans for a power plant on Utah’s Kaiparowits Plateau. In 1970, he expanded the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station by adding two reactors. That same year, he bolstered capital by issuing 500,000 shares of common stock and increased consumer electricity rates by 16%, with further rate hikes projected into the mid-1970s. In 1979, Horton was named chairman of the Edison Electric Institute. Southern California Edison later established the Jack K. Horton Humanitarian Award to honor charitable contributions made by employees.
During the 1980s, Horton co-founded and chaired the Executive Service Corps of Southern California. He also held board positions at Lockheed Corporation and Lutheran Hospital Society, served as a trustee for both University of Southern California and Stanford University, and participated on the president’s board at Pepperdine University.
Personal life and death
Horton was married to Betty, who passed away on May 29, 2000, just days before his own death. They had three children: one son, Harold E. Horton, along with two daughters, Judy Magee Horton and Sally Horton Meersman. The family resided in Atherton, California. Horton died on June 3, 2000, in Los Angeles at the age of 83.