William A. Hewitt

William A. Hewitt was an American corporate executive and diplomat who served as the chairman and chief executive officer of Deere & Company, transforming the agricultural equipment manufacturer into a global industrial power. His visionary leadership, marked by bold international expansion and a commitment to iconic industrial design, defined the company's mid-century growth. Later in life, he served as the United States Ambassador to Jamaica under President Gerald Ford. Hewitt was also notable as the brother-in-law of President Richard Nixon, having married the president's sister.

Early life and education

William A. Hewitt was born in San Francisco and pursued his higher education in California. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Following his studies at Berkeley, Hewitt attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1938. His early professional years were spent practicing law in San Francisco before the onset of World War II redirected his path. During the war, he served with distinction in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant commander.

Career at Deere & Company

Hewitt joined Deere & Company in 1948, initially serving as an assistant to the president, Charles Deere Wiman. His rapid ascent within the Moline, Illinois-based firm was fueled by his strategic acumen and understanding of post-war markets. He was elected to the board of directors in 1953 and became president of the company in 1955, succeeding Wiman. Under his guidance, Deere aggressively modernized its manufacturing processes and product lines to compete with rivals like International Harvester and Caterpillar Inc.. A pivotal moment was his commissioning of famed industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss to create the revolutionary "New Generation of Power" tractors in 1960, which redefined the industry's aesthetic and ergonomic standards.

Leadership and corporate strategy

Hewitt's tenure as chairman and CEO was characterized by ambitious globalization and diversification. He oversaw the establishment of Deere's first major overseas manufacturing plant in Mannheim, West Germany, in 1956, marking the beginning of its transformation into a multinational corporation. His strategy also included significant investments in research and development, leading to innovations in hydraulics and John Deere equipment technology. He fostered a strong corporate culture centered on quality and loyalty, famously insisting that Deere factories be showcases of efficiency and cleanliness. His leadership navigated the company through the volatile agricultural economies of the 1960s and 1970s, securing its position as a market leader.

Later life and legacy

After retiring from Deere & Company in 1982, Hewitt remained active in public service and business. In 1976, President Gerald Ford appointed him as the United States Ambassador to Jamaica, where he served until 1977. His legacy at Deere is enduring, credited with building the modern corporate foundation and international footprint that sustained the company's success for decades. He was inducted into the American Agricultural Hall of Fame and received honorary degrees from several institutions, including Iowa State University. The William A. Hewitt Foundation, established through his philanthropy, continues to support various educational and cultural causes.

Personal life

In 1940, Hewitt married Patricia Nixon, the younger sister of future President Richard Nixon. The couple had three children and divided their time between estates in Illinois and California. His family connection to the Nixon administration placed him within influential political circles, though he maintained a primary identity as a corporate leader. An avid art collector and patron, Hewitt served on the board of the Art Institute of Chicago and was a dedicated supporter of the San Francisco Symphony. He passed away in San Francisco in 1998 at the age of 84. Category:American businesspeople Category:American diplomats Category:1914 births Category:1998 deaths