Ralph Owen
Ralph Owen | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1905-10-03 Hartsville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | 1983 |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Known for | Chairman of American Express |
Ralph Owen (1905–1983) was an American executive who held the position of Chairman at American Express ().
Early life
Born on October 3, 1905, in Hartsville, Tennessee, Owen grew up with two brothers and two sisters. He completed his studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee in 1928.
Career
Owen established the Equitable Securities Corporation of Nashville in 1930, an investment banking firm offering services such as credit cards, travel, and banking. This company was incorporated into American Express in 1968. Subsequently, Owen took on the role of Chairman at American Express.
In addition, he held board memberships with Nashville Gas Company, R. C. Owen Company, and Tennessee Natural Gas Lines Inc.
Philanthropy
Owen contributed as a Trustee and eventually became President of the Board of Trust at Vanderbilt University. In recognition of his impact, the Owen Graduate School of Management was named after him in 1977. The Ralph Owen Chair, also bearing his name, is presently occupied by Professor Eric Johnson, who serves as Dean of the Owen Graduate School of Management.
Personal life
He was married to Lulu Hampton, and together they had two children: Ralph Owen Jr. and Melinda Bass. The family resided at Brook Hill in Nashville, Tennessee.
Death
Owen passed away in 1983 at Vanderbilt University Hospital.