Neal Blue
James Neal Blue | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1935 Meeker, Colorado, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, CEO, Chairman |
| Known for | CEO and chairman of General Atomics |
James Neal Blue (born 1935) is an American billionaire entrepreneur who holds the positions of CEO and chairman at General Atomics, headquartered in San Diego, California.
Early life
Blue was born in 1935 in Meeker, Colorado. He is the son of James Elliot Blue and Virginia Neal Blue, the latter being a partner in the Denver-based real estate company Blue and Blue. His mother passed away in 1970, followed by his father in 1986.
Education
During his time at Yale University, Blue was involved with the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.
Career
In the 1970s, Neal and his brother Linden Blue managed Colorado and Western Properties. By 1971, they had secured substantial shares in Great Western United, increasing their influence on the company's board alongside Arthur T. Cowperthwaite.
The brothers acquired General Atomics from Chevron Oil in 1986 for around $60 million. Since then, Neal has served as chairman and CEO, guiding the company’s expansion into sectors including defense, energy, and cutting-edge technology research, development, and manufacturing.
Awards
- 2013: Recipient of the 29th International von Karman Wings Award (October 2013)
- 2023: Honored with the John R. Alison Award by the Air & Space Forces Association
Personal
Neal Blue’s brother, Linden Blue, holds the role of vice-chairman at General Atomics.