TOLEDO, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Owens Corning is sad to announce the death of former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William W. “Bill” Boeschenstein. He joined the company in 1950 and served as chief executive officer from 1973 to 1990, and chairman from 1981 to 1990. He was the son of Owens Corning’s first chief executive officer, Harold Boeschenstein. These two men led the company for more than 50 years.
Under his leadership as chief executive officer, Bill Boeschenstein shaped both the direction of the company and its industries. During this tenure, Owens Corning grew its annual sales from approximately $615 million to approximately $3 billion.
Bill Boeschenstein is perhaps best known for courageously leading the organization through a hostile takeover attempt that began in 1986. Owens Corning prevailed as an independent company. Additionally, with his decision to enter the residential roofing market, the company converted the market to fiberglass-reinforced shingles and transformed the roofing industry. He was also instrumental in Owens Corning’s decision to utilize The Pink Panther™ in its advertising to link the color of its insulation to the popular and lovable cartoon character.
“Bill’s strong values and commitment to integrity created a culture that is still thriving today at Owens Corning,” stated Mike Thaman, Owens Corning chairman and chief executive officer. “As a former colleague and personal friend, Bill will be missed for his contributions to the company, and for his generous support to our community.”
Bill Boeschenstein graduated from Yale University and served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II, prior to joining Owens Corning.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) develops, manufactures and markets insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites. Global in scope and human in scale, the company’s market-leading businesses use their deep expertise in materials, manufacturing and building science to develop products and systems that save energy and improve comfort in commercial and residential buildings. Through its glass reinforcements business, the company makes thousands of products lighter, stronger and more durable. Ultimately, Owens Corning people and products make the world a better place. Based in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning posted 2016 sales of $5.7 billion and employs about 16,000 people in 26 countries. It has been a Fortune 500® company for 62 consecutive years.
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