Hewlett family

Hewlett family
Name	Hewlett family
Ethnicity	American of English descent
Region	San Francisco Bay Area, California
Founded	20th century

Hewlett family. The Hewletts are a prominent American family known for their foundational role in the Silicon Valley technology industry and for their extensive philanthropic endeavors. The family's prominence began with co-founder William Reddington Hewlett of the Hewlett-Packard Company, which became a global leader in electronics and computing. Subsequent generations have been influential in business, philanthropy, public policy, and environmental conservation, leaving a significant mark on American society.

Family history and origins

The family's origins trace back to Albion, New York, where William Reddington Hewlett was born before his family moved to San Francisco. He later attended Stanford University, where he met his future business partner, David Packard. Their famous partnership, formed in a Palo Alto garage in 1939, is often cited as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. The family has since been deeply rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area, with multiple generations educated at institutions like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. Marriages have connected the family to other notable dynasties in technology and finance, further embedding them within the elite circles of Northern California.

Notable family members

The most iconic member is William Reddington Hewlett, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard and a pioneering engineer. His son, Walter B. Hewlett, served as a longtime member of the Hewlett-Packard board of directors and was a key figure during the contentious merger with Compaq. Another son, James S. Hewlett, has been involved in family foundations. The family also includes Eleanor Hewlett Gimon, a noted philanthropist. Through marriage, the family is connected to Timothy C. Draper, a prominent venture capitalist of Draper Fisher Jurvetson. Later generations have pursued careers in environmental science, academia, and music.

Philanthropy and foundations

The family established the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, one of the largest philanthropic organizations in the United States. Under the leadership of family members like Walter B. Hewlett and non-family executives such as Larry Kramer, the foundation has made substantial grants in areas including education, environmental conservation, and the performing arts. It is a major funder of initiatives like the Open Educational Resources movement and climate change research through organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund. The separate Hewlett Family Foundation supports more localized community projects in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Business and corporate legacy

The primary business legacy is the creation of Hewlett-Packard, a cornerstone company of Silicon Valley that pioneered products from the HP 200A audio oscillator to the HP-35 scientific calculator. The company's management philosophy, known as "The HP Way," emphasized innovation and employee respect. Family members have held significant roles on the company's board of directors, influencing major decisions like the acquisitions of Compaq and Autonomy Corporation. The family's investment offices manage wealth derived from Hewlett-Packard stock, with interests spanning venture capital, private equity, and real estate.

Public service and political involvement

Family members have engaged in public service primarily through philanthropic policy work rather than elected office. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation actively funds projects related to democratic governance and cybersecurity policy through grants to think tanks like the Brookings Institution and RAND Corporation. Walter B. Hewlett served on the board of the Center for Global Development. While avoiding direct partisan campaigns, the family's foundations support bipartisan initiatives addressing issues like U.S. economic policy and electoral reform, influencing public debate from a non-governmental position.

Cultural and societal impact

The family has significantly shaped culture through philanthropy, funding major institutions like the San Francisco Opera and the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Their support for open access and Open Educational Resources has transformed global education. The iconic HP Garage at 367 Addison Avenue in Palo Alto is designated a California Historical Landmark and is celebrated as the symbolic birthplace of Silicon Valley. Their advocacy for environmental causes, including large grants to protect the Amazon rainforest and California coast, reflects a deep commitment to global sustainability and scientific research.

Category:American families Category:Business families of the United States