James J. Renier
American business executive who was president of Honeywell
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James J. Renier (1930 – 2019) was an American business executive who served as a chair and president of Honeywell.[1]
James J. Renier | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1930 |
| Died | 2019 (aged 88–89) |
| Education | Iowa State University |
| Occupation | Business executive |
| Known for | chair and president of Honeywell |
Early life and education
Renier was born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1930. He graduated from the College of St. Thomas and later earned a doctorate in physical chemistry titled "Iodato-silver complexing equilibria" from Iowa State University.[2][3][4]
Career
Renier began his career at Honeywell in 1956 as a senior research scientist.[2][3] He held leadership positions in the company's aerospace, defense, control, and information systems divisions before being appointed CEO in 1987.[5][6]
During his tenure, Honeywell underwent internal restructuring as an alternative to hostile takeovers or moving manufacturing operations abroad. The measures included cost-cutting, selling partially owned ventures, and spinning off some defense businesses.[2][3]
Philanthropy
Renier established New Vistas, a public school for teenage mothers and a preschool for their children located at Honeywell's corporate headquarters. The program provided transportation and modified school hours.[2]
Renier was involved with the United Way, leading a corporate fundraising campaign in 1991 that raised $47 million. After his retirement in 1993, he founded the Success by 6 early childhood education program, which the United Way later launched nationwide. He received the organization's Distinguished Service Award in 1997.[2]