John E. McConnaughy Jr., 1950
B.A., Denison University
M.B.A., Harvard University
Citation awarded June, 1986
An economics major at Denison, John “Jack” McConnaughy Jr. received his M.B.A. from Harvard in 1952 and embarked on a singular successful career in business. He is currently chairman of the board and chief executive officer of GEO International Corporation which was spun off from Peabody International Corporation in 1981. Until recently, he served as chairman and chief executive officer of both companies. He resigned from Peabody following a successful merger with the Pullman Company, but remains on their board.
During his 11 years with Peabody, sales increased from $23 million to $850 million and ranked eighth of the Fortune 500 companies in Growth and Earnings per Share. He was named outstanding chief executive officer for his industry, environmental control, for the years 1975, 1976, and 1978 by Financial World Magazine.
Prior to his joining Peabody in 1969, Jack served as vice president of European consumer products with the Singer Company. Previously, he had been president of the Singer Company of Canada, Ltd. and held management positions with Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He currently serves on numerous corporate boards.
During Denison’s Sesquicentennial campaign, Jack served as National Corporation chairman and was instrumental in establishing the Peabody International Scholar Fund.
