Robert D. Kennedy

Robert D. Kennedy (November 8, 1932 – April 3, 2021) was an American businessman who served as president, CEO, and chairman of Union Carbide.

Robert D. Kennedy
Photograph of Kennedy, March 2004
CEO of Union Carbide
In office
1986–1995
Preceded byAlec Flamm
Succeeded byWilliam H. Joyce
Personal details
Born(1932-11-08)November 8, 1932
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
DiedApril 3, 2021(2021-04-03) (aged 88)
New Canaan, Connecticut
Spouse
Sally Duff
​
(after 1956)​
EducationNew Hampton School
Alma materCornell University

Early life

Kennedy was born on November 8, 1932, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the youngest of four sons born to Lois (née Smith) Kennedy and T. Reed Kennedy.[1]

He attended New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire, graduating with the class of 1950. He then attended Cornell University, where he received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1955 and was elected into the Sphinx Head Society.[2]

Career

After graduating from Cornell, Kennedy joined Union Carbide as a trainee at the division's Edgewater Research Laboratory in Cleveland, Ohio.[3] In 1977 Kennedy became president of the Linde division of the company and built a $29 million industrial gases complex in Niagara Falls, New York.[4] He was elected a senior vice president in 1981, and an executive vice president in 1982.[2]

In July 1985, Kennedy and Heinn F. Tomfohrde III, both executive vice presidents, were appointed as co-presidents of Union Carbide, sharing the responsibilities of Alec Flamm, the former president and chief operating officer who became vice chairman.[5] Kennedy became the head of Carbide's plastics and chemicals businesses, while Tomfohrde, became head of its industrial products and services businesses.[6]

In March 1986, he became chief executive officer and,[7] in December 1986, chairman, succeeding Warren M. Anderson in both roles.[8][9] Under Kennedy's tenure, "the company trimmed its operations to focus on petrochemicals, its core operations."[10] In 1990, he was succeeded as president by H. William Lichtenberger, president of Carbide's chemicals and plastics unit.[11] Kennedy continued as chairman and chief executive.[11]

He retired as chief executive in 1995 and was succeeded by William H. Joyce, chief operating officer and president since 1993.[12] Kennedy continued as chairman until he fully retired from the company on December 31, 1995.[12][13] He also served as a director of Kmart Corporation, Lion Ore Mining International Ltd., Sunoco, Inc., and Union Camp Corporation.[2]

Personal life

On January 28, 1956, Kennedy married Sally Duff. Together, they were the parents of Robert B. Kennedy, Thomas Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy and Melissa (née Kennedy) Jurick.[1]

Kennedy died on April 3, 2021, at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut.[1]

References
  1. "Robert Kennedy Obituary (1932-2021)". Legacy.com. Danbury News Times. April 9, 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  2. "Robert Kennedy '50: Remembering a Beloved Leader, Friend, and Alumnus". today.newhampton.org. New Hampton School. 9 April 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  3. Peaff, George (9 October 1995). "SCI Medalist Robert Kennedy Reflects On A Lifetime In The Chemical Industry". Chemical & Engineering News Archive. 73 (41): 15. doi:10.1021/cen-v073n041.p015. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  4. "Union Carbide Plans Niagara Falls Plant". The New York Times. 16 May 1981. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  5. "BUSINESS PEOPLE; Carbide Vice Chairman Is Retiring Tomorrow". The New York Times. 28 February 1986. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  6. "BUSINESS PEOPLE; Management Shifts For Union Carbide". The New York Times. 31 July 1985. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  7. "BUSINESS PEOPLE; New Top Officer Named by Carbide". The New York Times. 27 March 1986. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  8. "COMPANY NEWS; Carbide to Retain Core Businesses". The New York Times. 1 March 1990. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  9. "Carbide's Chief Also Chairman". The New York Times. 1 December 1986. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  10. Jones, Dow (29 December 1995). "COMPANY NEWS; CHIEF EXECUTIVE ADDS CHAIRMAN'S TITLE AT UNION CARBIDE". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  11. Cuff, Daniel F. (24 May 1990). "BUSINESS PEOPLE; President Is Appointed At Revamped Carbide". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  12. News, Bloomberg (23 February 1995). "COMPANY NEWS; NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE IS NAMED AT UNION CARBIDE". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 January 2022. {{cite news}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  13. Chase Industries Appoints Robert D. Kennedy to Board
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