J. Hugh Liedtke
American petroleum executive
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John Hugh Liedtke (/ˈlɪtki/ LIT-kee; February 10, 1922 – March 28, 2003) was an American petroleum executive.
J. Hugh Liedtke | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 10, 1922 |
| Died | March 28, 2003 (aged 81) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Relatives | Bill Liedtke (brother) |
Early life
John Hugh Liedtke was born on February 10, 1922, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.[1][2] During World War II, he served in the United States Armed Forces.[2] Liedtke graduated from Amherst College in three years with a bachelor's degree, Harvard Business School with an MBA, and University of Texas School of Law.[2][3]
Career
Liedtke moved to Midland, Texas, then opened a law practice with his brother, William, in 1949.[2]
With the future President of the United States George H. W. Bush, the two brothers co-founded the Zapata Corporation in 1953.[4] In the 1960s the Liedtke brothers acquired control of the South Penn Oil Company and merged it with Zapata to form a new company they called Pennzoil.[5] In the 1980s, during his time as CEO of Pennzoil, he led the company to a court victory over Texaco.[6]
Death
Liedtke died on March 28, 2003, in Houston, Texas.[6]
