Ralph Owen
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Ralph Owen | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 3, 1905 Hartsville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | 1983 (aged 77–78) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Occupation | Businessman |
Ralph Owen (1905–1983) was an American businessman. He served as the Chairman of American Express (NYSE: AXP).
Owen was born on October 3, 1905, in Hartsville, Tennessee.[1] He had two brothers, Robert E. Owen and Roy Owen, and two sisters, Mrs. Mark Lowrey and Mrs. Pat W. Swaney.[1] He graduated from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1928.[1]
Career
In 1930, Owen founded the Equitable Securities Corporation of Nashville, an investment bank offering credit cards, travel and banking services. It merged with American Express in 1968.[1] Later, he served as the Chairman of American Express.[1][2]
Additionally, Owen served on the board of directors of the Nashville Gas Company, the R. C. Owen Company and Tennessee Natural Gas Lines Inc.[1]
Philanthropy
Owen sat on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, Vanderbilt University, and later as the President of its Board of Trust.[1][3] The Owen Graduate School of Management was renamed in his honor in 1977.[4] Additionally, the Ralph Owen Chair is also named in his honor; it is currently by Professor Eric Johnson, Dean of the Owen Graduate School of Management.[5]
