Mr.
John H. Bryan
(
–
)
1936
2018
Sara Lee Corporation
;
Chicago, IL
Company executive (manufacturing ); Nonprofit institution leader
Area
Leadership, Policy, and Communications
Specialty
Business, Corporate, and Philanthropic Leadership
Elected
1998
He became president and director of Sara Lee Corporation in 1974, chairman in 1976, and served as CEo from 1975 to 2000. Credited with Sara Lee's expansion and growth from $2.5 billion in sales when he joined the company, to $17.5 billion in annual revenues in 2001, he is known for making sound acquisitions and for his expertise in building brands. Also recognized for his civic involvement, he led a $100 million fund-raising campaign to renovate Chicago's Orchestra Hall and Lyric Opera House. He currently chairs a private development project to build the $250 million Millennium Park on Chicago's lakefront.
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