Lewis E. Platt

Lewis E. Platt
Born	Template:Birth date Johnson City, New York, U.S.
Died	September 8, 2005(2005-09-08) (aged 64) Petaluma, California, U.S.
Occupation	Business executive
Known for	Chairman, president, and CEO of Hewlett-Packard; non-executive chairman of Boeing

Lewis Emmett Platt (April 11, 1941 – September 8, 2005) was a prominent American executive and board member who held the positions of chairman, president, and chief executive officer at Hewlett-Packard.

Personal life and education

Born in Johnson City, New York to Margaret (Williams) and Norval Lewis Platt, Platt completed his undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering at Cornell University in 1964. He then earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1966. Additionally, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Engineering Science by Santa Clara University. Platt was affiliated with the Alpha Tau Omega National Fraternity and contributed to its National Foundation Board of Governors.

After becoming widowed in 1981, Platt single-handedly raised his two daughters, a personal circumstance that later shaped his implementation of employee-centered policies during his leadership at HP.

Career at Hewlett-Packard

Platt’s career at Hewlett-Packard began as an engineer within the medical products division. Throughout the 1980s, he progressed through HP’s Computer Systems Organization (CSO), attaining the role of executive vice president responsible for the Computer Products Sector in 1988 and advancing to lead CSO in 1990. His tenure saw substantial investments in RISC/Unix technologies that generated tens of billions in revenue and positioned HP as a leading IT solutions provider.

In 1992, Platt succeeded John A. Young as HP’s president and CEO, and in 1993 he assumed the chairman role from co-founder David Packard. During his seven years as CEO, HP’s revenue more than doubled—from $20 billion in 1993 to $47.1 billion—reflecting a growth rate of 187 percent.

Renowned as a representation of the "HP Way," Platt prioritized employee respect and engaged directly with staff through "management by walking around," frequently traveling on commercial flights and sharing meals with employees. Despite significant corporate achievements, he maintained a relatively low public profile.

Toward the latter part of his leadership, Platt encountered criticism for emphasizing progressive principles and long-term objectives over aggressive competition. Detractors contended that his pragmatic approach was misaligned with the rapid pace of the late 1990s market environment and that he overlooked opportunities during the Internet expansion. Platt recognized the necessity for cultural adjustments to accelerate decision-making processes while preserving foundational company values.

In March 1999, HP’s board initiated a search for Platt’s successor, ultimately appointing Carly Fiorina from Lucent Technologies. Although Platt was instrumental in recruiting her, Fiorina soon distanced herself from him. Her administration faced significant challenges and strategic errors, culminating in her removal in 2005. Some viewed Fiorina’s exit as an endorsement of Platt’s leadership philosophy and principles.

Following Platt’s departure from the CEO position in July 1999 and stepping down as chairman in 2000, HP divided its leadership roles due to the spin-off of Agilent Technologies. Richard Hackborn assumed chairmanship over both firms during this period while separate CEOs managed each company individually.

Civic engagement

In 1997, President Bill Clinton appointed Lewis E. Platt to serve on the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy Negotiations, where he chaired its World Trade Organization Task Force. In 1996, he was elected cochair and board member of Joint Venture Silicon Valley and the Tech Network—groups dedicated to bolstering regional economic development. Between 1993 and 1995, Platt also participated in The Business Council and the California Business Roundtable. During this timeframe, he utilized corporate resources along with his fundraising expertise to support local ballot initiatives aimed at increasing sales tax revenues for transportation infrastructure enhancements.

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates

Following his departure from Hewlett-Packard, Platt took on the role of CEO at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates, serving from 2000 until mid-2001.

Boeing Company

Platt was appointed as non-executive chairman of Boeing on December 1, 2003, succeeding Phil Condit after his resignation. In 2005, Platt was instrumental in the dismissal of President and CEO Harry Stonecipher due to breaches of company policies.

Death

Platt passed away at the age of 64 on September 8, 2005, at his residence in Petaluma, California, as a result of a brain aneurysm.

Legacy

In recognition of his contributions, the California state legislature designated a portion of California State Route 87 as the Lewis E. Platt Memorial Highway.